Kristy Birchard, YPrime’s Product Owner, Patient Engagement, discusses product innovation powered by patients in this article in Informa Connect Clinical Insider.
This article highlights the transformative shift in clinical trials towards patient-centric approaches, emphasizing the importance of patient and caregiver involvement in research design and execution. This shift is driven by technological advancements and a growing recognition of the value of patient feedback in improving trial outcomes. By integrating patient perspectives, sponsors can enhance data quality, participant recruitment, and retention. The article underscores the need for strategic and intentional engagement with patient communities, advocating for open and continuous dialogue to achieve true patient centricity. This approach not only improves the feasibility and rigor of research but also leads to more equitable and meaningful outcomes for patient communities.
Kristy also discusses the role of electronic clinical outcome assessment (eCOA) technologies in facilitating patient engagement by simplifying the collection and management of patient-reported outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of building mutually beneficial relationships with patient communities, recognizing them as essential stakeholders in the research process. Organizations like the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and the European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI) provide resources to support patient engagement. By embedding patient insights into product design and development, the industry can advance medical research and improve clinical outcomes, fostering a more equitable research ecosystem.