Patient-Centered Care to Improve Recruitment and Retention in Clinical Trials: Insights from a Real-Time Interview-Based Satisfaction Study

Christina Zhuang, Newport High School, Northwest Clinical Research Center AND These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.
Aishwarya Prasad, Northwest Clinical Research Center AND These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.Follow
Anshu Arora, Northwest Clinical Research Center
Arun Arora, Northwest Clinical Research Center and Associate Professor, Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, WA
Jeena Vaid, Northwest Clinical Research Center
Wisam AlJumaili, Northwest Clinical Research Center
Arif Khan, Northwest Clinical Research Center and Adjunct Clinical Professor, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Yakima, WA

Abstract

Patient-centered care is increasingly recognized as essential for understanding participant expectations and generating more accurate and reliable clinical trial results. This study aimed to evaluate an interview-based feedback tool designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of patient experience at a free standing high-enrolling clinical site in the Pacific Northwest. The primary objectives were to identify strengths and weaknesses in current procedures, enhance recruitment and retention, and develop a model adaptable to other sites. A structured interview tool was independently developed based on literature supporting the integration of qualitative and quantitative feedback to capture a multidimensional view of patient experience. The tool was administered to 73 patients over a four-day period in July 2025 and included one Likert-scale question and seven open-ended questions addressing areas such as participation motivation, staff communication, time efficiency, and areas for improvement. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 87 years, with a mean age of 54 and a median age of 58. Common motivations for participation included personal health benefits and access to healthcare advancements, and all participants reported positive interactions with staff. Dissatisfactions primarily arose from long waits and complex study procedures. This study highlights the importance of real-time feedback as a low-cost, high-impact strategy for identifying inefficiencies and strengthening trust in a responsive research environment. These findings have broad applicability for designing participant-centered protocols across many clinical sites.

Recommended Citation

Zhuang C, Prasad A, Arora A, Arora A, Vaid J, AlJumaili W, Khan A. Patient-Centered Care to Improve Recruitment and Retention in Clinical Trials: Insights from a Real-Time Interview-Based Satisfaction Study. Patient Experience Journal. 2026; 13(1):202-211. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2091.