New Workflow for Clinical Trials Now Available

The Pharmacy Patient Clinical Trial Recruitment Program is a unique clinical opportunity designed to involve patients in clinical trials directly through their local pharmacy. This program aims to make clinical trial opportunities more accessible to pharmacies and patients, providing them with the chance to potentially benefit from new treatments prior to general market release and to help inform the future of medication research. 

There are several compelling reasons for patients to participate in clinical trials: 

• Access to new treatments: Patients may gain access to cutting-edge therapies that are not yet available to the public. 

• Contribution to medical research: Recruitment helps advance scientific knowledge and the development of new treatments, which can benefit many people in the future. 

• Enhanced care: Clinical trials often involve close monitoring and additional care that patients might not otherwise receive. 

• Personal satisfaction: Patients may feel a sense of fulfillment knowing they are contributing to the greater good. 

When discussing clinical trial participation with patients, pharmacy staff should: 

• Be informative: Clearly explain what a clinical trial is, its purpose, and how it operates. 

• Be transparent: Provide details on the potential benefits and risks involved in clinical trials. 

• Be empathetic: Understand and address any concerns or hesitations the patient might have. 

• Be supportive: Offer reassurance and support throughout the process, ensuring the patient feels comfortable and informed. 

• Encourage questions: Invite the patient to ask questions of the trial coordinators and to ensure they fully understand the trial. 

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific clinical trial. Generally, trials have inclusion and exclusion criteria that may include age, gender, medical history, and current health status.  

Pharmacy staff will ask a short series of questions to help prescreen patients to determine if they may further qualify for a particular trial.  After passing the pharmacy prescreen step, patients will complete further screening with the trial sponsor’s recruitment partner. 

The enrollment process typically involves several steps: 

• Step 1 - Initial screening: Determine if the patient meets the eligibility criteria.  

• • Completed by pharmacy 

• Step 2 - Contact consent: Obtain the patient’s signed consent to share their contact information with the trial recruitment partner.  

• • Completed by pharmacy 

• Step 3 - Informed consent: Provide detailed information about the trial and obtain the patient's written consent to participate in further screening and potential selection as a trial participant.  

• • Completed by trial sponsor partner 

• Step 4 - Baseline assessment: Conduct initial health assessments and tests.  

• • Completed by trial sponsor partner 

• Step 5 - Randomization: Assign the patient to a specific group within the trial, if applicable.  

• • Completed by trial organization 

• Step 6 - Ongoing monitoring: Regularly monitor the patient's health and progress throughout the trial.  

• • Completed by trial organization 

Patients have the right to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time for any reason. Pharmacy staff should reassure patients that their decision to withdraw will be respected. It is essential to ensure that patients understand the importance of communicating their decision to the trial coordinators. 

Patient safety and confidentiality are paramount in clinical trials. Measures to ensure these include: 

• Ethical oversight: Trials are monitored by ethics committees to ensure they adhere to ethical standards. 

• Confidentiality: Patient information is kept confidential and data is anonymized where possible. 

• Safety monitoring: Regular assessments are conducted to monitor patient health and address any adverse effects promptly. 

No, being in a clinical trial does not mean a patient’s disease is worsening. Clinical trials are conducted to test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments or interventions. Participants in clinical trials may receive standard treatment for their condition, a new treatment being tested, or a placebo. Regardless of the group they are in, their health and progress are closely monitored by the trial's medical staff. It's important for patients to communicate openly with the trial coordinators about any changes in their health or concerns they may have. 

Recruitment needs for clinical trials are fluid and may change daily.  Outcomes receives daily updates from our trial sponsors that may impact the availability of recruitment opportunities being visible on the platform.  We strongly encourage users to complete available recruitment opportunities as soon as they are available as this type of opportunity may removed without advanced notification. 

No, you are educating the patient on an additional treatment option for their condition, not enrolling the patient in the actual trial.  The patient will be further screened and should communicate to all members of their care team if they are selected for participation.