In this discussion, Jytte van Huijstee, Director of Clinical Trial Operations at myTomorrows, shares insights on technology’s role in clinical trials, addressing recruitment gaps, and fostering diversity.
Moe Alsumidaie: How do you see technology, especially AI, changing clinical trial recruitment and patient matching?
Jytte van Huijstee: I see AI as a game-changer in clinical trial recruitment, particularly in managing the complex inclusion and exclusion criteria that each trial presents. Physicians often face the daunting task of manually matching patients to trials, which can be incredibly time-consuming given the numerous criteria involved. AI can streamline this process by analyzing a patient’s medical profile against the criteria of available trials, quickly identifying the most accurate matches. This not only saves time but also increases the efficiency of the recruitment process. However, it’s crucial to remember that AI should complement, not replace, human expertise. A medically trained professional must review AI-generated results to ensure they are accurate and clinically sound. This human oversight is essential to maintain trust and reliability in recruitment. Combining AI’s analytical power with human judgment can significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of patient matching, ultimately improving trial outcomes.
Moe Alsumidaie: What are the main gaps in current patient recruitment models, and how can we address them?
Jytte van Huijstee: In my view, the primary gap in current recruitment models is the underutilization of alternative recruitment channels and the lack of thorough analysis to determine their effectiveness. We have various options like site-based recruitment, mining database registries, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with patient advocacy groups, but the key is to track and analyze which methods generate the most qualified leads. This analysis is crucial because the effectiveness of these methods can vary significantly by country and disease area. Additionally, as more patients search for trials online, we need to enhance our digital presence and find ways to reach these patients more effectively. By leveraging data analytics, we can make informed decisions about where to invest resources for maximum impact. It’s about being adaptable and responsive to different patient populations and geographical regions’ unique needs. By doing so, we can optimize our recruitment strategies and ensure we reach the patients most efficiently.
Moe Alsumidaie: How can we build trust with patients and healthcare professionals in recruitment?
Jytte van Huijstee: Building trust in the recruitment process is about the human touch. Offering a patient navigation service where patients and healthcare professionals can speak to a knowledgeable person about the trial’s enrollment process can significantly enhance trust in the overall recruitment process. This service allows for a two-way interaction, where patients have the opportunity to gather all the information they need, and alongside their physician, determine their suitability for a trial. By taking this approach, complemented by information on a study’s website and patient-facing materials, we’re able to provide a more personalized experience that fosters genuine trust. As a result, the recruitment process becomes more transparent and reliable by ensuring that patients and healthcare professionals can engage with someone who understands the trial details. It’s about creating a dialogue rather than a monologue, where patients feel heard and understood.
Moe Alsumidaie: How can trials better integrate diverse patient populations and overcome barriers?
Jytte van Huijstee: Integrating diverse patient populations requires direct engagement with the communities involved. Collaborating with organizations and societies that represent these communities is essential to understanding their needs and concerns. Engaging with patient advocacy groups and networks that have established connections can provide valuable insights into a population’s needs and concerns. It’s important to avoid making assumptions and instead focus on understanding how to make trial participation less burdensome and more trustworthy. By learning directly from these communities, trials can be designed to accommodate diverse populations better and address their specific needs. This approach enhances diversity and ensures that trials represent the populations they aim to serve more.
Moe Alsumidaie: What innovations will redefine patient recruitment and retention in decentralized trials?
Jytte van Huijstee: The future of clinical trials is shifting towards decentralization, where the focus is on bringing the trial to the patient rather than the other way around. This shift involves investing in home health solutions, enabling treatment at local centers or even at home, and utilizing wearables to collect data without requiring onsite visits. For example, mobile labs can be deployed to reach communities far from academic hospitals, making it easier for patients to participate in trials. By reducing the need for travel and bringing the trial to the patient, these innovations can enhance recruitment and retention by making participation more convenient and accessible. It’s about creating a patient-centric approach that prioritizes the needs and preferences of participants.
Moe Alsumidaie: Is there anything else you’d like to add about diversity in clinical trials?
Jytte van Huijstee: There’s much more to consider regarding diversity. Targeting specific audiences requires tailored messaging, and a consideration of their native language and cultural sensitivities. Collaborating with local hospitals with access to diverse patient communities can also be an effective strategy. Beyond working with patient advocacy groups, it’s about finding the right channels to effectively reach and engage certain populations. By employing targeted and geographical advertising strategies, trials can better reach diverse populations and ensure their recruitment efforts are inclusive and representative. It’s about being proactive and intentional in engaging diverse communities and ensuring their voices are heard and valued in the clinical trial process.
Moe Alsumidaie is Chief Editor of The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Moe holds decades of experience in the clinical trials industry. Moe also serves as Head of Research at CliniBiz and Chief Data Scientist at Annex Clinical Corporation.
