What Is the Biggest Barrier to Patient Participation in Clinical Trials?

Patient participation remains one of the most persistent challenges in clinical research, even as trial designs become more innovative and patient-centric.

While advances such as decentralized trials, digital tools and real-world data aim to improve access, many studies still struggle to recruit and retain diverse and representative patient populations. Barriers can arise at multiple levels, from awareness and eligibility to logistics and trust.

Understanding which factors have the greatest impact is critical to improving enrollment, advancing health equity and accelerating the development of new therapies.

What do you think most limits patient participation in clinical trials today? Cast your vote below and see how your peers responded.

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