link2trials qa 25 - Clinical trials recruitment and retention of volunteers / subjects for medical research - Link2Trials Accelerating Clinical Research

Questions Answers

Marjolein Nankman08-05-20252718 views

In this Q&A series we answer questions we have received from our customer base.

#25:

Question:
What are the key barriers to patient enrollment in clinical trials?

Answer:

Despite growing awareness, many clinical trials struggle with slow enrollment. Here are common barriers:

Lack of awareness– Many patients are unaware of trial opportunities.
Strict eligibility criteria – Complex inclusion/exclusion criteria limit participation.
Fear of side effects – Concerns about safety and unknown risks discourage participation.
Inconvenient trial locations – Long travel distances deter patients.
Time commitment– Frequent visits and long follow-ups are burdensome.
Mistrust in research – Historical issues have led to skepticism, especially in certain communities.

Addressing these barriers through better outreach, flexible trial design, and patient centric approaches can significantly improve enrollment rates.

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