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Be prepared with Q&A Prior to meeting with the first patient in the study, try to anticipate questions and concerns you believe may be raised. Compile a list of study related questions. After meeting with the first patient, add to your list any missing questions and your responses.

So what? Who Cares? What‘s in it for me? Put yourself in the shoes of the patient. Develop and incorporate answers to these questions for every study in your Q&A document described above.

Allow time Don’t rush through study appointments. Patients sense this and you may miss an important “red flag” that can lead a patient to withdraw from the study.

Informational aids Use brochures and information that can help explain the study and allow patients to explain the study purpose to others. Consider providing the name of the study drug and the sponsor’s web address for more information and reassurance.

Personal facts Note personal information that can be used to personalize the conversation at each study visit.

Follow through Keep a reminder about these and any other patient requests in their chart, and most importantly, follow through with their requests. Something as simple as using a highlighter in a patient’s chart can help in pointing out follow-up items that need to be completed.

Access to study staff Encourage patients to call before their next appointment with any questions. Ensure that all their questions are answered and that they understand the study requirements.

Involve the PI Involve the PI in seeing study patients and demonstrating that a united study team is caring for them.

Consistent and regular contact To make certain the lines of communication are always open, maintain consistent and regular contact with each patient. Involve a family member if requested by the patient.

Friendly reminders Send a personal note if the appointments are a week apart. For example “Hi John, I look forward to seeing you next Wednesday, January 5th at 2:00pm for your appointment. Don’t forget you promised to bring a picture of your dog with you! — see you soon — signed Jackie” If the appointment is a month or 2 months apart, call them one week prior to the appointment — “don’t forget I get to see you next week!”

Scheduling & payment flexibility Schedule patient appointments around their schedule; for example, Mrs. Smith prefers morning appointments so as not to miss her soap opera in the afternoon. Some patients prefer to receive a stipend at the conclusion of each visit; others want to wait for a larger check. Offer payment flexibility to help address the interests of different patients.

Demonstrating respect Respect for patients’ time, questions and commitment to the study requires being a good listener, not keeping patients waiting, letting them know how much they are appreciated and developing a personal rapport.

Praise and recognition Recognize the efforts patients are making no matter how small ranging from attending their appointment in bad weather to completing their study diary.

Patient is in control Let patients know that they can withdraw from the study at anytime.