A silent and key player in the sustenance of patient participation for clinical trial and the resultant patient satisfaction is the alignment of mission and values of the clinical trial with the patient goal. In order to understand this, before deciding to participate in the trial it is extremely advantageous for the patient to arrive at the answers to certain questions that not only prepares the patient for what is in store for him but also helps him avoid any future inconveniences. On the other hand, from the perspective of any clinical trial organization, helping patients arrive at the answers are very vital to the patient retention within the trial. 3H Medi Solution has come up with an exhaustive and holistic questionnaire checklist for the patients asses before they decide to enroll with the clinical trials.

CLINICAL STUDY: For starters, the patient aiming to be a prospective participant in the clinical trial should identify whether the purpose of the trial and his reason to participate in the trial are the same or not. This is the stepping stone for him to align himself with the objectives of his caregiver clinical trial organization. He should also get a clear picture of the time frame of the trial too as it would necessarily affect his work life space. It is also necessary to understand the mode of observation of his health and trial results not only during but also post-trial.

TREATMENT: Treatment is one of the vital area that the patient requires to research before enrolling himself for the clinical trial. A major anticipation of every patient that needs to be addressed is the probability ratio of receiving the experimental treatment versus the placebo since it directly affects his chances at healing. Additionally, the patient should understand the kind of treatment  or test is to be conducted on him, its duration, intervals and the efficacy percentage . Resultant, it is also vital to understand the pain quotient attached to such treatments, and identify the measures that will be taken to manage his pain, safeguard his health or reverse any health damages during the trial. There should also be clarity whether his health will suffer in case he withdraws prematurely from the trial.

PATIENT CARE: It is critical for the patient to identify his healthcare supervisor as well as the healthcare measures for him during the trial. Simultaneously, there should be clarity whether he is allowed to consult his private physician or administer his regular medicines during the trial. An often overlooked but essential aspect is to understand whether he will be provided after-care or post study observation. The trial location or site is a crucial factor that decides the sustenance or completion of the trial. Hence, typically a patient should seek to know whether he needs to be admitted during the trial  or whether the clinical trial organization will provide him with modes of transportation to the study site in case of a regular commute to the site.

PATIENT PRIVACY: One of the current global concern is the issue of the privacy of personal information. One should find out the steps and their limitations that shall be taken by the clinical trial organization to secure the privacy of the patients . This is extremely important to know in order to comprehend the effect of the patients clinical trial participation upon his daily life .

RISK AND BENEFIT: Before enrolling with the clinical trial program, one should asses the possible short-term and long-term risks, side effects, and benefits of the study treatment compared to their current treatment. Likewise, one should also compare the prospective treatment with any other treatment options available which have lower risks or higher benefits.

MEDICAL EXPENSES: The financial aspect holds high priority in the checklist too. Prior to the enrollment into the trial , the patient should find out whether the clinical trial or any part of it chargeable. If yes, one should seek for an estimated cost. Thereafter, one should comprehend if the trial or a part of it covered by the health insurance agencies and if yes, then to what extent. Similarly he should also identify whether he is entitled to any reimbursements and the relevant procedures attached to such reimbursements. 

COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT: Communication and support are subtle yet indispensable players within the process of clinical trial. A prospective patient should ascertain whether the trial results shall be communicated to him or his private physician, along with the mode and intervals of such communications .Furthermore, the patient should identify his point of contact within the clinical trial organization to address his queries at any juncture of the trial. In addition, he should also seek assistance to find relevant answers from health insurance agencies. It is also advisable for prospective patients to speak with the current trial participant for reviews before enrolling for the trial .It is an added benefit to identify external or agent support groups for the trial participants and his family members.

 3H Medi Solution clearly believes in connecting prospective patients with patient centred clinical trials. In order to achieve that, it strongly suggests all the prospective patients to find answers to the above recommendations from the clinical trial organizations before enrolling for the trials. It shall certainly entail a win-win situation for everyone where the patient will be convinced regarding the commitment of the clinical trial organization towards him , as well as, on gaining such trust a positive patient recruitment and retention shall be secured by the clinical trial organization.

For any further clarification please reach out to imran@3h-ms.co.jp