CenterWatch to Address Importance of Web Use to Boost Patient Recruitment Rates
(PRWEB) January 12, 2010 -- According to a 2008 survey of study volunteers, the Internet is rated as one of the top ways patients learn about clinical trials, yet it is often omitted as a viable strategy in most patient recruitment plans. David Heck (http://www.centerwatch.com/about-centerwatch/team-bios.htm#David), senior director at CenterWatch (http://www.centerwatch.com), will educate sponsors on how to capitalize on this fundamental resource to boost patient recruitment and reduce clinical trial delays at ExL Pharma’s Site Selection, Activation, and Communication conference (http://www.exlpharma.com/events/site-selection-activation-communication) on Feb. 1 in Washington D.C.
“It is no secret that the Internet has become one of the most used tools for businesses and consumers alike, but it is probably the most underutilized tool when it comes to patient recruitment,” says Heck, who has more than 15 years experience in the field. In his session, which is part of a three-panelist workshop on developing faster trials, Heck will focus on profiling the online health seeker, analyzing the rise of the empowered patient and how that impacts patient/physician relationships, and optimizing opportunities to reach online health seekers for clinical trial participation.
“Currently, only about 10% of all clinical trials enroll on time, largely due to slow patient recruitment,” adds Heck. “It seems traditional strategies are not getting the job done and that costs sponsors more than just money. But if you can learn how to effectively leverage online resources, you’ve found a relatively low-cost opportunity with an increased rate of return.”
To register for this pre-conference workshop, “How to Accelerate Site Selection, Study Activation, and Patient Recruitment for Faster Clinical Trials”, visit http://www.exlpharma.com/events/site-selection-activation-communication.
About David Heck
David Heck is senior director of Clinical Trials Listing Service™ (http://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/post/) sales at CenterWatch and oversees sales activities associated with web-based solution services to support patient recruitment strategies. Heck has been a speaker and panelist at many U.S. and international conferences on the topics of patient recruitment, Internet health seekers, data-driven study planning tools, and registry/results compliance programs.
About CenterWatch
Founded in 1994, CenterWatch is a global destination for clinical trials information for both professionals and patients. We provide proprietary data and information about clinical trials through newsletters, books, databases, and information services used by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, CROs, SMOs, and investigative sites involved in the management and conduct of clinical trials. CenterWatch was also the first Internet site to publish detailed information about active clinical trials and today has one of the largest databases of clinical trials actively seeking patients on the Internet.
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