Seven Patient Recruitment Best Practices Used By Leading Research Studies

By Ben Baumann

Patient recruitment remains one of the most persistent challenges in clinical research, with 80% of trials facing delays and many sites struggling to meet enrollment goals. But leading studies show that success is possible—when recruitment is treated with the same rigor as any other critical trial component.

The most effective teams prioritize relationships long before recruitment begins. They engage with referring physicians, advocacy groups, and community organizations, becoming trusted partners in their therapeutic areas. This proactive approach fosters trust, simplifies participation, and respects the patient’s time and autonomy.

Importantly, these best practices don’t require massive budgets or cutting-edge technology. They rely on thoughtful, human-centered strategies, like attending support groups, sharing educational content, and listening to community insights, that align with the mission-driven values of academic medical centers and principal investigators.

Explore all seven proven strategies for improving recruitment outcomes in OpenClinica’s practical guide to patient recruitment excellence.