Pharmafile Logo
  • - PMLiVE
  • - PMLiVE
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Communiqué 53 Cover Image

    • New report, The participation equation, uncovers key drivers of patient engagement in clinical trials

    October 16, 2025 | Participant engagement, Patient Voice, clinical trials 

    Cuttsy+Cuttsy’s new report, The participation equation, uncovers what drives patient engagement and retention in modern clinical trials through insights from over 700 participants and industry experts.

    Report fan imager

    CAMBRIDGE, UK – October 16, 2025 – Healthcare communications agency Cuttsy+Cuttsy, in collaboration with the International Society for Patient Engagement Professionals (ISPEP), today announced the release of The participation equation, a comprehensive report exploring what drives participant engagement in modern clinical trials. The research offers a fresh, 360-degree perspective by combining quantitative data from 700 clinical trial participants, alongside in-depth qualitative interviews and industry leader insights.

    The report reveals a significant shift in how people discover clinical trials, with 45% of survey respondents learning about opportunities through social media. This highlights a growing reliance on patients to find trials independently, rather than through healthcare professionals. The findings suggest that while patients are taking charge of their health decisions, more can be done to create proactive and supportive pathways to trial participation.

    The participation equation also establishes a clear link between a participant’s trial experience and their likelihood of completing that trial. The data shows that trial completion rates increase in line with positive experience scores. A key factor in this is the level of support felt from the trial healthcare team; participants who said they ‘definitely’ felt supported had a 92% trial completion rate. The report further emphasises that ongoing and empathetic human connection in combination with high-quality and supportive resources are vital for retention.

    “This report brings forward the experiences of patients who have recently participated in modern trials reflective of today’s research landscape and the growing complexity in the trials landscape” says Alexandra Charge, CEO & Co-Founder of ISPEP. “Their insights go beyond ‘what happened’ to reveal ‘why it mattered’, highlighting where trial processes supported them and where gaps remain.”

    The research provides actionable insights for the industry, by providing credible evidence sources that are aligned with participant preferences to support and improve recruitment, retention, and data quality. By understanding how participants weigh burdens against benefits and what support they truly need, sponsors can move from patient-informed trials to truly patient-ready ones. The report is a call to action for the clinical research community to operationalise patient preference into trial design and delivery.

    Download The participation equation to learn more about the evolving landscape of patient engagement and discover how to better align trial processes with patient needs.

    The full report is available to download here.

    This content was provided by Cuttsy + Cuttsy

    Company Details

    Cuttsy and Cuttsy Logo

    Cuttsy + Cuttsy

    Email
    Website

     Latest Content from  Cuttsy + Cuttsy 

    Clinical trials explained: Why iconography matters…

    Icons serve as a useful form of alternative communication. We spend a lot of time developing icons for healthcare communications. Find out how we use iconography to elevate clinical trial...

    Cuttsy+Cuttsy appoints Harriet Karia as Managing Director

    Cuttsy+Cuttsy is pleased to announce the appointment of Harriet Karia as its first Managing Director.

    Using generative AI in healthcare comms – our promise to our clients

    It’s safe to say one of the hottest topics of 2023 has been ChatGPT and the launch of other Generative AI-driven applications. So, we’re sharing our promises, so that when...

    Clinical trials explained: Why colour matters…

    Colour can be used to emphasise mood, evoke emotions, and determine first impressions of a brand. Find how to use colour effectively in your next clinical trial campaign.

    Clinical trials explained: Why branding matters…

    With nearly a decade’s experience supporting clinical trials, find out why we think humanising trials through design is so important.

    DPHARM2023 – Five key themes impacting clinical trials today

    Throughout three fascinating days of conference, some key themes emerged that are impacting study teams and the effectiveness of their clinical trials on a daily basis.

    Flexible working: a fad or the future?

    As the Flexible Working Bill gets written into UK law, we took a look at what this means for businesses of all sizes and specialities.

    Looking for a job head first

    During Health Information Week, we reflected on mental health and wellbeing within the workplace. Cuttsy+Cuttsy’s mental health first aider and HR Manager, Kate McCabe, shared some thoughts on what mental...

    Patients as Partners – putting people first in clinical trials

    Cuttsy+Cuttsy's key takeaways from the Patients as Partners conference 2023

    What are the ingredients for a perfect partnership?

    Perfect partnerships can take many forms. Just like avocado and toast or tea and biscuits, all good on their own, but better together.