Enable Communication

Opportunity

Clinical trial participants will likely not feel engaged with the clinical trial if they are not informed about what matters to them (e.g., trial progress) at an appropriate frequency. Providing relevant information through a method that meets their needs and preferences could improve participant engagement, compliance and retention. Value can be gained where participants can choose how and when they receive communications.

Considerations to Help Action the Opportunity

• Partner with patient organizations and sites to identify the types of information that participants would like (e.g., gratitude, trial progress) and the preferred method and frequency for sharing of information 
• Define the settings (e.g., in-person or self-reviewed), mediums (e.g., written, audio or visual), delivery methods (e.g., paper, email, WhatsApp / text, portal / app), preferred language, and frequency (e.g., weekly, monthly, annually) for the communications
• Utilize the settings, mediums and methods that work for the participant population and ideally provide multiple options to suit the spectrum of participant needs (e.g., to account for country or age preferences) 
• Define design considerations that factor in the participant or site needs, such as font sizes, consistent formatting and ‘branding’
• Develop a participant communication plan that captures participant preferences and delivers communications accordingly 
• Define the timing and requirements of obtaining Ethics Committee (EC) approval (e.g., submit any templates at the start of the study outlining the type of communication planned) on participant facing materials and the method of delivery

Value and Potential Benefits

• Increases understanding and engagement in the trial if participants receive communications that are relevant to them in a preferred format and frequency
• Allows participants to have the information they require, while avoiding overwhelming or burdensome communications
• Allows participants to feel appreciated and valued for their involvement in the study
• Potentially increases trial participant retention (avoid drop-outs) and compliance (higher motivation)