An article in Nature.com reinforces the suggestion in my previous post – namely that it is possible our industry may emerge healthier post-COVID-19 than before.
Yes, we have seen massive drop-offs in patient uptake of trials, but some out there have been innovating, and attempting to develop new approaches to patient participation.
Katherine Tuttle talks about her trial. She details that they developed new approaches to conducting remote visits, used home-based testing and monitoring, provided curb-side and courier pick-up and delivery of samples.
Their teams paid attention to providing study updates to participants, by telephone, email and through their portal, during and after the necessary pause in the studies.
They put in place strict protocols for face-to-face visits, with participants given the option of remote interaction wherever possible. Every person entering the research centre was screened for symptoms and potential exposure.
She concludes that the enrolment rates for her research programme are now similar to those recorded pre-pandemic. While she identifies issues, she concludes it is feasible to maintain interest and participation in the trial.
Bio Pharma Consulting 