One of the most challenging aspects of conducting clinical research is its global nature, as there are significant variances in regional requirements and obstacles. Regulatory, cultural and logistical factors all impact trial design, start-up and execution. Greenphire’s 2024 Market Trends Survey highlights the distinct priorities and hurdles faced by nearly 400 sponsors, contract research organisations (CROs) and sites around the world.
From participant engagement strategies to the role of technology, this report offers valuable insights into the sentiments of the European clinical trial market – and how it compares to the US.
Participant experience: tailored regional approaches
A positive participant experience is crucial for recruitment, retention and trial success. Both regions aim to remove financial and logistical barriers but with emphasis placed on slightly varied areas of support.
- Flexible payment methods: 56% of European sites and 74% of European sponsors and CROS prioritise offering a variety of payment options (eg, card, virtual card, bank transfer). This is slightly lower than the 64% of US sites and just above the 62% of US sponsors and CROs that emphasise this notion
- Concierge services: 47% of European sites and 70% of European sponsors and CROs view providing logistical support for participants as important compared to 63% of US sites and 68% of US sponsors and CROs
- Real-time payments: US respondents place slightly higher importance on speed of payment to participants (87% US sites and 81% US sponsors/CROs vs. 78% European sites and 70% European sponsors/CROs).
Addressing diversity challenges
Both regions face struggles related to enrolling diverse populations. However, introducing initiatives to increase diversity in clinical trials remains a focus in Europe and the US.
- Hurdles to diverse enrolment: 56% of European sites find enrolling diverse participant populations difficult, compared to 41% of US sites
- Cultural and regulatory alignment: 83% of European sites believe removing financial and logistical barriers directly impacts diversity in recruitment, while this figure is 86% for US sites
- Diversity action plans in motion: 59% of European sponsors and CROs noted that they incorporate financial and logistical support for participants into their diversity initiatives, showcasing a commitment to inclusive trials. This commitment is reflected in 70% of US sponsor and CRO respondents.
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