Overcoming Challenges: Physicians Navigate the Complexities of Clinical Trials

Key Takeaways

61% of physicians find it difficult to identify and access relevant clinical trials, delaying patient treatment.
70% of doctors expressed a need for improved AI tools in clinical trial searches to streamline the process.
Clinical trial complexities particularly hinder underserved populations, underscoring the need for better access solutions.

Challenges in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are essential for developing new therapies, yet the process of identifying and enrolling patients is becoming increasingly arduous. A new report by myTomorrows highlights the difficulties U.S. physicians face in navigating the clinical trial landscape. With over 500,000 trials registered and more than 8,000 drugs currently in development, 61% of surveyed physicians reported challenges in locating relevant trials, with 72% noting that the search process is overly time-consuming.

Common issues include insufficient support tools, fragmented referral processes, and overly complex eligibility criteria. The report indicated that 60% of physicians consider the available pre-screening tools inadequate, while 56% of participants described the referral process as disjointed. A significant 58% pointed to complex eligibility requirements that disproportionately affect underserved populations, reinforcing the difficulty of accessing innovative treatments.

Need for Improved Technology

To address these challenges, physicians expressed a clear demand for more streamlined solutions. A majority—72%—believe a comprehensive overview of relevant clinical trials is necessary, while 65% support the use of AI-assisted tools for simplifying trial matching. Currently, 35% of physicians are already utilizing AI for their searches, with 61% finding these tools reliable and effective for quicker access to trial updates.

Despite growing adoption of AI technologies, physicians call for enhanced education and training to better integrate these tools into their workflows. A significant 69% seek improved guidance, with other desires including stronger privacy assurances and clearer regulations.

Dr. Michel van Harten, CEO of myTomorrows, emphasized the importance of accessible and user-friendly tools for navigating the complex clinical trial landscape. He noted that both healthcare professionals and patients require reliable resources to expedite the identification of suitable trials. The commitment to creating equitable solutions was highlighted as essential for delivering impactful outcomes for patients now and in the future.

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