Episode 09 - Bridging the Gap in Industry: Patient Engagement in Clinical Trials with Pauline Frank

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Today’s episode of Heart of the Trial is all about the true heart of clinical research—the patients. Joining me is the brilliant Pauline Frank, who has spent years bridging the gap between clinical trial teams and patient advocates. If you’ve ever wondered how to improve patient engagement in clinical trials or why it’s so important, this episode is for you!

Highlights of the Episode:

• Meet Pauline Frank: A passionate advocate for increasing patient engagement in clinical trials, Pauline shares her journey and explains why getting patients involved early in the process is key to the success of studies.
• Breaking the Norm: Pauline discusses how traditional clinical trial designs often miss the mark by not incorporating patient feedback and how this leads to recruitment delays and high dropout rates.
• Changing Perceptions: There’s a common fear among trial teams that engaging with patients will slow things down or increase costs. Pauline breaks down why these concerns are often misconceptions and how true patient involvement can actually save time and money.
• Lessons from the Field: With over 17 years in the industry, Pauline shares eye-opening stories about how listening to patients has improved trial outcomes and reduced recruitment challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Patient Voice: When patients are included in trial design and execution, recruitment rates improve, and dropout rates decrease—ultimately speeding up the entire trial process.
• Building Bridges: Pauline emphasizes the need for clinical teams and patient advocates to communicate better and start collaborating from the very beginning of the trial.
• Taking Small Steps: You don’t need to overhaul your entire system to start improving patient engagement—Pauline’s advice is to start small and learn as you go.

Episode Highlights:

• [0:01] Suzanne introduces Pauline Frank and the topic of patient engagement.
• [2:09] Pauline explains the misconceptions around the costs and delays of involving patients.
• [6:15] The reality of why 80% of trials face recruitment delays and how patient engagement can help.
• [11:22] Why getting patients involved early can save time and money in the long run.
• [18:00] Pauline shares success stories of trials that incorporated patient feedback.
• [24:40] The importance of education and communication in bridging the gap between patient advocates and clinical teams.
• [30:20] Pauline’s advice for anyone looking to improve patient engagement: “Start small and learn as you go.”

📞 Connect with Pauline Frank:

• LinkedIn: Pauline Frank
• Email: [e-mail]

📞 Connect with Suzanne:

• Website: https://www.iceconsultingllc.com/home
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnersuzannem/

💌 Feedback and Questions:

• Email Suzanne at [e-mail]

🎙️ Tune in and get to know the passionate professional behind Heart of the Trial!