An Innovative Solution for an Improved Patient Experience
pRxEngage has built an innovative platform to improve patient retention by simplifying the process of finding and enrolling in clinical trials. Our research (n=157) tells us:
- 6% want to join trials yet only 30.6% go on to participate.
- 7% need clear trial information when considering a clinical trial.
- 3% state our approach would make them more likely to participate.
This patient-centric approach, grounded in self-determination theory, provides personalised trial recommendations, educational resources, and support, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their participation in medical research utilising a bespoke group of assessments performed by the patient, with results shared with the nominated study site if the patient does wish to proceed. This data helps research sites better triage interested patients with an increased focus on those that have been highlighted (based on assessments) as likely suitable candidates for a study.
This new platform is built on more than two decades of lived experience in successful patient engagement and retention, where our team consistently achieved global leading site recruitment status for the clinical trials in which they operated. Now, we’re offering this expertise on a wider scale to help more teams replicate our success.
How it works
- Education First: We start by providing patients with clear, concise, and engaging information about clinical trials. This includes general information about the clinical trial process, the benefits and risks of participation, and answers to frequently asked questions and simple to understand patient guides to a variety of medical conditions where research is ongoing or planned. This foundational and focused knowledge empowers patients and fosters a sense of competence, a key component of self-determination theory, the science behind our platform.
- Personalised Trial Matching: We guide patients through a self-assessment to determine their suitability for specific trials based on their individual needs and motivations. This personalised approach enhances engagement and ensures patients are well-informed about the study’s requirements.
- Choice of Trials: We offer patients a selection of different clinical trials that may be suitable for them, empowering them to choose the trial that best aligns with their needs and preferences. This promotes a sense of autonomy and ownership over their healthcare decisions.
- Behavioural Insights: The platform then assesses patients for engagement and decisional conflict using principles of behavioural psychology, providing a score and feedback to the patient with an assessment of appropriateness for the trial.
- Patient Autonomy: At this point, patients decide to stop or continue their journey. This reinforces their sense of autonomy and control over their healthcare decisions.
- Connecting with Research Sites: If a patient continues, they will be referred to the closest research site to their nominated location, providing their score to clinical sites. The site responds with a named individual from their team reaching out to build the relationship and provide the much needed relatedness to build on the third pillar of self-determination. This allows sites to prioritise outreach to patients most likely to enrol and stay engaged.
Benefits: Our platform
- Reduces dropouts and ensures better-engaged participants through clear patient communication and shared decision making.
- Focuses on committed participants and cuts months off the recruitment timeline.
- Reaches diverse patient groups and achieves better population representation for higher quality trial outcomes.
- Integrates with existing patient identification assets.
- Meaningfully impacts recruitment budgets. Industry average recruitment costs are £6,500 per patient, therefore recruiting just 4 patients through our platform delivers positive ROI.
Improving Patient Experience Through Virtual Patient Support
The healthcare journey is challenging for patients. It’s full of logistical obstacles, emotional stress, and complex medical jargon. Virtual patient support addresses these concerns and delivers solutions that simplify care, enhance communication, and reduce stress. These tools focus on the needs of patients, improve the overall healthcare experience, and help individuals stay engaged and informed.
Virtual patient support encompasses a range of technologies and services, from telehealth platforms to AI-driven care assistants. These tools offer real-time assistance, on-demand information, and seamless communication with the healthcare team.
Improving Accessibility for Patients
It remains a challenge for many to access healthcare services. Geographic barriers, mobility limitations, and time constraints prevent patients from attending in-person appointments. Virtual support tools—telehealth and remote consultation platforms—provide solutions. Patients can consult with healthcare providers through secure video calls or messaging systems and receive timely care without needing to travel.
Virtual tools reduce delays in the healthcare process. Online appointment booking and medication reminders save time and streamline care delivery. Patients can view schedules, access test results, and communicate with providers—all from the comfort of home.
AI chatbots and digital assistants are revolutionising accessibility. These tools answer common questions, guide users through administrative processes, and provide consistent support. A chatbot might help a patient reschedule an appointment or explain post-treatment care. This reduces the burden on healthcare teams and gives patients the help they need.
Virtual support also plays a crucial role in improving inclusivity in clinical trials. Trials can offer remote participation options to engage patients from diverse backgrounds or in rural or areas. This representation leads to more reliable and generalisable research outcomes.
Enhancing Patient Experience with Personalised Virtual Support
A positive patient experience depends on personalised care. Patients want to feel understood and valued, and virtual tools make this possible. These technologies customise communication and support based on individual preferences and build trust and satisfaction.
Personalised virtual patient support includes interactive platforms so patients can monitor their progress, set goals, and receive reminders. These platforms give patients greater control over their healthcare journey.
Wearable devices provide real-time monitoring of health metrics, such as heart rate or blood pressure, and allow patients to track their progress. Healthcare teams can also use this data to identify potential issues early on in the process.
Virtual platforms can integrate educational resources to further enhance the patient experience. Patients can access videos, infographics, and FAQs to better understand their condition or treatment plan. Knowledge reduces uncertainty and builds confidence for patients managing chronic conditions or participating in clinical trials.
The ability to access personalised content in their native language or at their literacy level is vital for many patients. It makes complex medical information understandable and actionable and cultivates a sense of collaboration between patients and providers.
Building Trust Through Transparent Communication
Trust is the foundation for a strong patient-provider relationship. Patients are more likely to remain engaged and adhere to treatment plans when they feel informed and valued. Virtual support systems provide transparency and deliver clear, consistent communication that addresses patient concerns.
Secure patient portals provide easy access to medical records, treatment plans, and test results. These tools allow patients to review this information at their convenience and reduce misunderstandings. A patient who understands their care plan is more likely to follow it, which improves outcomes and satisfaction.
Participants often feel disconnected from the research process. Telemedicine and remote monitoring bridge this gap by keeping participants informed and connected to the trial team. Frequent updates and direct communication reassure participants and encourage them to stay committed to the study. Virtual support also allows family members to participate in video consultations or access shared updates and gives patients both emotional and practical support.
Supporting Patients with Convenience and Care
Convenience is a great benefit of virtual patient support. Patients struggle with logistical challenges of traditional healthcare, such as transportation, long wait times, and scheduling conflicts. Virtual solutions offer a more patient-friendly approach to care.
Telehealth platforms and remote monitoring tools allow patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. For those with chronic conditions, virtual check-ins reduce frequent clinic visits while monitoring remains consistent. This approach improves adherence to treatment plans and reduces the stress associated with in-person appointments.
Around-the-clock support from virtual assistants gives patients reassurance outside of normal clinic hours. These tools answer questions, guide self-care routines, and assist with medication management. This support helps patients feel more secure and reduces anxiety.
Integrated platforms that combine multiple services—scheduling, communication, and education—create a seamless experience for patients. Integration minimises frustration because patients can access all the tools they need in one place.
Another convenience factor is tailored support for individual needs. Reminders can be set for specific times according to the patient’s daily schedule. This level of personalisation helps patients stay on track with their care.
Keith Berelowitz | Founder & CEO
Keith Berelowitz is the Founder of pRxEngage, a company redefining patient engagement and retention in clinical trials using living experience, proven methods, and AI.
