If you ask the various stakeholders in the patient recruitment process who is most at fault when it comes to the ineffectiveness of how things usually operate, you’ll probably get responses such as sponsors pointing to research sites for not following up the referrals in a timely fashion, sites pointing to CROs for not providing adequate support, patients pointing to sponsors regarding the burden of trial protocols, etc.

In my experience with trials, it’s rarely one major issue that causes the problems. More likely a combination of these and other factors that contribute to bottlenecks and delays at each point.

And, while taking on board what the other stakeholders are saying is obviously worthwhile, I would suggest that maybe looking inwards can also help with developing solutions.

Each stakeholder asking themself what they could do better should result in more effective practices being adopted, and better outcomes for all.