Patient Engagement in Clinical Trials: The Key to Modern Research Success
Patient engagement in clinical trials has become the cornerstone of modern research. At Delve Health, we understand that truly engaged patients drive better retention, compliance, and data quality. By integrating wearables, digital biomarkers, and real-world evidence, we’re transforming the way clinical trials operate, making them more inclusive, efficient, and impactful.
Introduction
Let’s be real—clinical trials aren’t what they used to be. The days of rigid protocols and disconnected patients are being replaced by something far more human and innovative. At the heart of this shift? Patient engagement.
At Delve Health, we believe clinical trials should work for everyone, especially the patients. With decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), wearables, and digital biomarkers now at the forefront, patient engagement is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s essential. This blog explores why engaging patients matters, the challenges of doing it well, and how tools like wearables and real-world evidence (RWE) are transforming the way we conduct clinical trials.
Why Patient Engagement Matters
Patient engagement is the foundation of modern clinical research. When patients feel valued and heard, trials achieve better retention rates, generate higher-quality data, and deliver results that are more meaningful for real-world applications.
How Engagement Impacts Clinical Trials:
- Smarter Study Design: Involving patients during the protocol development phase ensures that trials are patient-centric and feasible (source).
- Higher Retention: Engaged patients are less likely to drop out, reducing recruitment and re-engagement costs.
- Better Data Quality: When patients feel supported, they provide more accurate and consistent data (source).
Patient engagement is more than a buzzword—it’s the key to running trials that deliver real-world results.
Wearables: The New Normal in Clinical Trials
Wearables are no longer just gadgets for tracking steps. They’re tools that bridge the gap between research and real life. Devices like glucose monitors, smartwatches, and sleep trackers are giving researchers unprecedented access to real-time patient data without disrupting daily life.
Why Wearables Work:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Wearables provide continuous updates on health metrics like activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns (source).
- Digital Biomarkers: These data points give researchers a deeper understanding of patient health beyond clinic visits.
- Patient Convenience: Wearables reduce the need for frequent clinic visits, making participation easier and more appealing to patients.
At Delve Health’s Wearable Integration Platform, we take wearable data from raw to refined, ensuring it’s cleaned, normalized, and actionable for researchers.
The Challenges of Patient Engagement
Engaging patients isn’t always easy. There are real barriers that need to be addressed, from ensuring diversity to making technology accessible for everyone.
The Top Challenges:
- Lack of Diversity: Trials often miss the mark on inclusivity, leading to skewed results and reduced applicability (source).
- Limited Resources: Many organizations struggle to allocate the time, funding, and expertise needed for effective engagement.
- Tech Barriers: Some patients face challenges with accessing or understanding wearable devices and digital tools.
At Delve Health, we address these challenges with solutions that are inclusive, accessible, and scalable.
How Delve Health Redefines Patient Engagement
At Delve Health, we believe in putting patients first—not just as participants, but as collaborators in their healthcare journey. Our Clinical StudyPal platform combines advanced technology with a human-centered approach to transform patient engagement.
Our Key Solutions:
- Multimedia eConsent: Simplifies the consent process with videos and visual aids that ensure patients fully understand their commitment.
- Wearables and Digital Biomarkers: Integrates seamlessly with leading devices like Dexcom and Apple Watch to collect meaningful, real-time data.
- Gamification and Automation: Engages patients with interactive assessments and automated reminders that keep them motivated and compliant.
- Multilingual Support: Provides access in 65+ languages, ensuring trials are inclusive and accessible for diverse populations.
Our platform turns patient engagement from a challenge into an opportunity to build stronger, more impactful trials.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Case Study 1: Breast Cancer Trials
In a breast cancer study, Delve Health used wearables and digital twins to monitor cardiotoxicity symptoms. Patients appreciated the reduced need for clinic visits, leading to a 30% improvement in compliance rates.
Case Study 2: Heart Failure Studies
Through automated reminders and wearable integration, we helped achieve a 95% retention rate over six months—far exceeding industry benchmarks.
The Future of Clinical Trials
As clinical research evolves, new technologies like AI-driven chatbots for patient support and blockchain for secure data sharing are paving the way for even more personalized and efficient trials (source).
At Delve Health, we’re not just adapting to these changes—we’re leading the charge. By integrating wearables, digital biomarkers, and real-world evidence into our platform, we’re building trials that are smarter, more inclusive, and more impactful.
Conclusion
Patient engagement isn’t optional—it’s the cornerstone of successful clinical trials. With tools like wearables, digital biomarkers, and real-world evidence, Delve Health is helping researchers create trials that are inclusive, efficient, and effective.
Ready to take your clinical trials to the next level?
👉 Contact Us or Request a Demo today to learn how we can support your research goals.
