STUDY TO EVALUATE THE WILLINGNESS OF HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS, PATIENTS, DOCTORS AND PHARMACEUTICAL/BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY TO USE A PLATFORM (WEB OR APP) TO FACILITATE RECRUITMENT IN EARLY PHASE CLINICAL TRIALS (TRIALQ). A SURVEY STUDY

Background: Different digital tools are designed to facilitate the identification, engagement, and sustained participation of individuals in research studies, but the existing evidence on its success is fragmented and often limited to specific tools or populations. As far as we know, there are no ongoing studies within Europe exploring the willingness of different stakeholders to use a platform for seeking early phase clinical trials for participation. Objective: To ascertain whether a platform to promote recruitment in early phase clinical trials would be considered as beneficial for general population, doctors and the pharmaceutical/biotechnological companies and obtain information for refining its features. Material and methods: Three different surveys were developed, specific for general population, for doctors and for pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry professionals. They included questions regarding clinical trial and clinical trial registries awareness, usefulness of the platform and the evaluation of its main characteristics. Results: Almost ninety percent (88.3%) of doctors, 77.8% industry and 46.6% general population reported utility in having a platform to look for early phase clinical trials to enroll. Features such as filters by pathology type and location, educational and plain language content, and a section for reporting participation experiences were the most highlighted. Conclusion: This is the first survey to capture the real willingness and needs of stakeholders regarding having this type of platform and can guide the design of future platforms focused on improving clinical trial recruitment. Additionally, shows how significant efforts are needed to enhance public awareness and ensure clinical trials are diverse and representative.