Involving patient groups in the patient recruitment process is a strategy that might seem obvious, but is rarely adopted successfully. One of the issues is that patient groups can be wary of companies whom they may view as being only after their database of contacts in order to make money.

One way to get over this is to involve the patient groups right at the start of the process, during the trial design and protocol development stage. Showing a willingness to include the patient voice from the outset can help build a relationship that can be utilized once the trial launches and is looking for participants.

Providing information is another good way to engage with patient groups. Not necessarily about the condition itself, but maybe unique details about taking part in a trial or the way the treatment being tested was developed.