Between seeing patients for other studies, attending SIVs, compliance reviews, and recruitment meetings, finding time to call those leads is tough. No big deal, right? Wrong. When a person submits their application, you are at the very peak of interest at that moment. Almost immediately, the excitement begins to lessen, disappearing a little bit at a time until it is gone. The longer you wait to call them, the less chance you have at reaching them. How long are you waiting to call your new leads?
Imagine being a life-long sufferer of a chronic condition. You have tried different things, but nothing ever helps you achieve remission or effective relief. You spot an ad for a clinical trial that is looking into a new treatment option, so you apply. Then, nothing. In a lead-driven business such as in clinical trials, interest may not be the only thing you lose.
Setting a Strong Lead Contact Foundation
Keeping your patients interested and contacting them quickly is only a part of it. Ensuring that you have a stable contact attempt process for all leads is the first order of business. This will set a standard for your team so that everyone is on the same page, all while ensuring your leads are called ASAP, and properly handled.
Although each site’s goals will be different, you can use these basics as a starting point:
- New Leads Called Within 24-48 Hours– Studies show that being able to reach the applicant dramatically decreases after even 10 minutes.
- 6-8 Contact Attempts– Calling should always be the first go-to method, but subsequent attempts can involve trying via email, and text if available. You can also call and leave a message, then text, or call and then email. Don’t be afraid to change it up!
The What If’s
Even an iron-clad SOP cannot cover every exception. However, if you design your contact process around being patient-focused, and understanding that every lead is a randomization opportunity, you can’t go wrong. Below are some exceptions and some general tips on how to handle them, for example:
- The study ends, and there are still patients that have never been contacted.
- Guidance: Call and let them know the study concluded and gather their information to see if they are a good fit for another study that is active. If not, their data can be kept in your CTMS for future opportunities if they agree.
- The new lead is a previous applicant from a year ago on prohibited medication at last check.
- Guidance: Call them and review the current information on file and make any changes needed. You may find that something has changed, making them the right candidate for the study now. If not, again, offer the database option.
The more people that are added to your database, the less money you spend later on marketing. So, a little time spent now can save on future studies. Now that you have some basics in your toolbox for striking while patient interest is at its highest, all you need is an excellent place to advertise your study.
With our massive, ever-growing global list of participants interested in clinical research, the search is over. To find out more about listing your study with us and to see our affordable package pricing, click here. You won’t be disappointed.
Reference:
https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/best-times-to-connect-with-leads-infographic
