According to an analysis by NIH, data continues to reinforce what many sites already know: patient convenience directly impacts satisfaction and retention. In fact, a global study by CISCRP found that participants who used convenience-enhancing solutions, like eConsent, mobile apps, text reminders, and transportation support, reported significantly higher satisfaction and care ratings than those who did not. From this study, notably, three points stand out: 1) use of these tools grew substantially between 2017 and 2019, yet adoption remains inconsistent across research sites; 2) participants who used supportive technologies were more likely to say their trial experience exceeded expectations, and 3) usage was especially high among underrepresented groups, including Hispanic and Black participants, reflecting that these tools may also help boost access and inclusion in clinical trials.
Clinical trials can’t move forward without participants, but recruiting and retaining them has never been more challenging. Between rising patient expectations and growing competition for enrollment, now more than ever, clinical research sites need an engagement strategy powered by the right technology. RealTime’s suite of eClinical solutions is built by a team with first-hand experience of the challenges sites face. From centralized communication to easy payments and streamlined consent, here’s what makes up the ultimate patient engagement toolkit – and how it leads to better trial participation.
1. CTMS: The Operational Nerve Center of Engagement
CTMS is an industry essential for study management – think of it as your central hub for enrollment, financial, and tracking study progress. But beyond the basics, when your CTMS is connected to recruitment workflows, visit schedules, communication tools, and payment platforms, everything runs smoother for your team and your patients. The right-fit CTMS:
- Automates scheduling and reminders
- Tracks engagement at every touchpoint
- Views participant status and interactions in real-time
- Coordinates with study teams across locations
When staff have the full picture, they can provide faster answers, anticipate needs, and avoid frustrating miscommunications that lead to participant drop-off.
2. Text: Reach Patients Where They Are
Let’s face it, emails get missed, phone calls go unanswered, and patient portals don’t always get checked. But text messages? They’re opened 98% of the time. RealTime-Text enables your team to communicate quickly and directly with participants, using secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging. With Text, you can:
- Send visit reminders and confirmations
- Notify participants of payment disbursements
- Answer questions in real time
- Provide study updates and alerts
Texting helps you meet patients on their terms. This makes it easier for them to stay engaged, informed, and committed throughout the trial.
3. Pay: Fast, Flexible Participant Payments
Payment delays and confusion are two of the biggest complaints from trial participants. RealTime-Pay removes the friction by automating stipend delivery through reloadable debit cards or digital disbursement options. Here’s how it boosts engagement:
- Instant payments after visits
- Transparent transaction tracking
- No lost checks or reimbursement confusion
- Increased trust and satisfaction
When participants know they’ll be paid on time—without the hassle—they’re more likely to stay enrolled and show up consistently.
4. Engage! (Participant Portal + eConsent)
Engage! is where true patient-centricity comes to life. It includes a secure, mobile-friendly participant portal that offers full visibility into upcoming visits, eConsent, payment details, and messages, all in one place. It’s designed to reduce friction, build trust, and keep participants informed every step of the way. With Engage!, patients can:
- Complete eConsent from anywhere
- View upcoming visit schedules
- Track stipends and payment history
- Receive notifications and reminders directly from MyStudyManager™ Participant Portal
This flexible, patient-centric experience makes participation easier, more transparent, and less intimidating.
An Integrated eClinical Solution - Bringing It All Together
Each of these tools is powerful on its own, but when they’re unified in a single platform, the result is a seamless, stress-free experience for participants and site staff alike. RealTime’s SOMS connects CTMS, Text, Pay, and Engage! to remove communication silos, reduce delays, and improve every step of the participant journey. By investing in an integrated toolkit designed for patient engagement, sites can:
- Increase enrollment
- Reduce drop-out rates
- Improve participant satisfaction
- Stay competitive in a fast-evolving clinical research landscape
Key Takeaway
The takeaway? A truly patient-centric approach demands integrated, accessible solutions that reduce burdens and meet participants where they are. The future of clinical research hinges on how well we engage and support those taking part in it.
If your site isn’t using centralized, integrated tools for participant engagement, you’re missing a powerful opportunity to transform your site’s performance and improve the entire patient experience from recruitment to retention.
Not sure where your site stands? Use this Participant Engagement Self-Assessment to identify gaps and uncover ways to strengthen your strategy.
If you’re ready to build your ultimate patient engagement toolkit, connect with a solutions expert to see the system in action.
