We talk about adherence all the time, whether it be medication, diary cards, appointments. We know it’s crucial, yet there have been many times where I think to myself, do patients really get it? Or are we just expecting them to blindly follow instructions? Honestly, I think we can do better.

We often tell you what to do, but not always why it’s important. We might explain the science (which can be confusing or seem less relevant to your needs), but do we really connect with you on a personal level? Do we explain how your participation impacts not just your health, but the future of treatment for everyone? I’d argue we often fall short.

For me this is the fundamental problem with adherence. When you understand the why, you’re far more likely to stick with the programme, whether it’s taking medication, filling out those (sometimes tedious) diary cards, or attending appointments on time. It’s not about blind obedience; it’s about informed participation. It’s about you becoming a true partner in your care.

I have written this post spurred on by a post from my colleague Philip Morisky, MBA, about World Adherence Day which is just around the corner (27 March). Well done to the World Heart Federation for bringing this vital topic into focus! What can we, as an industry, do to improve patient education and, ultimately, improve patient commitment?

Always one for looking at the practical, here is my take: We have great tools at our disposal. We’ve got tech from InHandPlus to help monitor medication usage, AI voice agents like Delfa Tom Farrand to support patients and sites, and engagement tools like that offered by Jonathan Moshinsky and his team at Stitch to help keep patients on track and let’s not forget the power of personalisation – companies like BIONABU are doing some really interesting work in this space. Of course when it comes to medication adherence, well there is… adherence. with the gold standard hashtag #MMAS.

These tools are great, but they’re only effective if we use them strategically. It’s not just about having the tools & tech; it’s about integrating it thoughtfully into your experience. We must use them to build trust, foster understanding, and empower you to take control of your health.

So, my ask as we approach World Adherence Day: Let’s move beyond simply telling you to adhere and start truly engaging you in the process of clinical trial adherence. Let’s make the why clear and give you the support you need to succeed. When you understand the why, you become partners with us in our collective drug discovery and usage journeys and for me that is something worth sticking with.

Staying Committed Through Clinical Trials

Adhering to clinical trial protocols improves the outcome of your treatment. Trials are designed with safety and efficacy in mind, and following the schedule for medications, tests, and visits ensures that your treatment has the best chance of working as intended. Skipping doses or missing appointments affects your results and leads to uncertain conclusions about the effectiveness of a therapy.

Consistency also reduces risks. Clinical trials are structured to monitor your responses carefully and identify potential side effects early. Regular follow-ups allow your medical team to make adjustments if necessary. For patients with serious or chronic conditions, staying engaged can mean receiving better care, more frequent monitoring, and earlier interventions.

Beyond personal benefits, your commitment impacts future treatments. Every clinical trial contributes to the understanding of disease and treatment options. Reliable participation ensures that data is valid and applicable to wider populations, improving care for future patients with similar conditions.

Clinical trials allow you to access new treatments before they become widely available. Many clinical trials test therapies that could become the standard of care in the future, giving you early access to potentially life-changing options. This can be particularly important for conditions where current treatments offer limited relief or have severe side effects.

The Role of Clinical Trial Adherence in Data Reliability

Accurate data drives medical progress. When you follow the prescribed treatment plan, the study results better reflect how a therapy performs under controlled conditions. This strengthens the evidence base, making it more likely that beneficial treatments will receive approval and reach the patients who need them.

Adherence gaps create challenges. If a significant number of patients deviate from the protocol, the trial won’t provide clear answers about a treatment’s safety or effectiveness. This can slow down approvals or lead to inconclusive results. Researchers depend on you to deliver findings that translate into real-world clinical use.

Long-term patient commitment is especially important in trials for chronic illnesses or progressive diseases. Understanding how a treatment works over months or years requires your consistent participation. Without it, the long-term benefits and risks of a therapy remain uncertain, limiting its potential impact.

Strong clinical trial adherence helps regulatory bodies accurately evaluate the reliability of a new treatment. Inconsistent participation may result in a failed trial, not because the therapy is ineffective, but because data gaps prevent a proper analysis. This means that promising treatments could be delayed or even abandoned, denying future patients access to potentially effective solutions.

How Patient Commitment Improves Well-Being

Clinical trial participation often gives you access to advanced medical care. You can receive close monitoring, regular check-ups, and specialist consultations that may not always be available in standard care settings. This extra attention can improve your well-being and ensure that your concerns are addressed quickly.

Support systems are also built into trials. Many studies offer patient advocacy groups, counselling services, and dedicated coordinators who help you navigate the process. These resources make it easier for you to stay engaged and offer guidance on managing treatment schedules, side effects, and personal concerns.

Commitment also fosters a sense of contribution. You can find reassurance in knowing that your participation is advancing medicine and potentially benefiting others with the same condition. Patient commitment goes beyond the individual benefit to you—it shapes future treatments and improves medical knowledge.

Overcoming Barriers to Participation

We understand that staying engaged in a clinical trial isn’t always easy. You may face logistical challenges, such as travel time, frequent appointments, or managing side effects. Researchers and trial sponsors are creating solutions that make participation more doable.

Decentralised trials allow for remote monitoring and at-home sample collection to reduce your travel burden. Telemedicine follow-ups and digital tracking tools help you stay connected without needing to visit a hospital or clinic as frequently.

Financial support is another factor. Many clinical trials offer travel expense reimbursements or provide access to medications at no cost. These benefits make participation more feasible for a wider range of patients.

Communication with the trial team is essential. You are more likely to remain engaged when you ask questions, voice concerns, and seek support when needed. Trial coordinators and healthcare providers can help address difficulties and find solutions that keep you active in the study.

You also benefit from being part of a supportive research community. Many trials include peer networks where you can connect with, share experiences, and encourage each other. This sense of shared commitment can make staying in a study easier and more rewarding.

Healthcare providers play an essential role in supporting patient participation. When doctors and trial coordinators build strong relationships with you, trust is established, making it easier for you to stay engaged. Open discussions about expectations, potential challenges, and available support systems improve retention and make you feel valued throughout the study.