Clinical trials – how can we help potential participants to find them?

On 18 March 2025, I chaired a panel which discussed the current issues with clinical trials and representation of women participants in the current data sets. Issues such as lack of disaggregated data sets, the time commitment required to participate, inclusion/exclusion criteria and accessibility were part of what the panel explored. We also touched on the fact that other diversity markers are also currently underrepresented in both participant numbers and the data. 

Clinical trials are the cornerstone of medical progress, and the level and range of participation within the desired  patient population can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. By volunteering for a clinical trial, patients contribute to the development of new therapies that have the potential to save lives and improve health outcomes for countless individuals. Participants in clinical trials provide essential data on the safety, efficacy, and potential side effects of new treatments, helping researchers understand how these interventions work in real-world settings.

There are also upsides for the patient, as clinical trials can offer them access to cutting-edge treatments before they become widely available. There is closer monitoring, which the panel mentioned could be appealing to participants who might not otherwise be able to get the same level of care from medical professionals due to the structure of the healthcare system in care delivery. 

Clinical trials are conducted under strict ethical guidelines to protect participants' rights and well-being. Before joining, patients receive comprehensive information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. They also have the right to ask questions and withdraw at any time.

But why, if there are these potential benefits as well as safeguards to protect the patients, is it sometimes difficult to enrol patients? One key point which was discussed on the panel and later during the day, is that it can be challenging for patients to find information and resources about clinical trials. They might rely on their treating physician to indicate trials which might be of relevance to them, but physicians vary in their ability to keep abreast of current research.

There are, however, a number of public databases which allow users to search for clinical trials in different jurisdictions, by location, condition and other criteria. Some key resources are ClinicalTrials.gov, Be part of Research (a UK wide service run by the National Institute for Health and Care Research) and ResearchMatch (an NIH-funded initiative that connects people with researchers looking for US based study participants). 

It will of course be important for the patient to discuss any proposed participation in a clinical trial with their healthcare provider in advance, as they will be able to help understand overall risks and benefits and how these might be applicable to the individual. But, given that this information is already available in the public domain, we as a life sciences community just need to get better at signposting it. 

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