clinical trial angel
Amid today’s dynamic research environment, clinical trials are fundamental to the effort to develop new treatments, drugs, and interventions in the world of medicine. But for many patients, getting to these trials can be a daunting, bewildering process. That’s where the concept of the Clinical Trial Angel comes in — an advocate, guide, or service to support patients in finding and enrolling in an appropriate, potentially life-saving clinical trial.
This piece delves into what a Clinical Trial Angel is and why they are important, with a highlight on how they function and how patients and families could benefit from their support.
What Exactly Is a Clinical Trial Angel?
What is a Clinical Trial Angel? An Angel is an individual, group or platform that streamlines the clinical trial process for patients to get informed and connected to the right trial for them. Part advisor, part patient advocate, a Clinical Trial Angel demystifies the clinical research experience and aids patients in making decisions that are right for them regarding their treatment.
They can be healthcare workers, researchers, patient advocates, or former patients with lived experience. Some are independent, and others work as part of non-profit groups, hospitals or biotech companies.
Duties of a Clinical Trial Angel:
Research & Matchmaking: Locate clinical trials that may be a match for a patient’s diagnosis, location, treatment history and eligibility.
Education: Discuss trial phases, risks, potential benefits, and alternatives.
Supportive Care: Offer comfort and compassion as patients and families grapple with challenging choices.
Coordination: Provide support for paperwork, medical notes, trial applications and links to the trial coordinators.
Follow-Up: Keep communication lines open to support them along the way.
Why Modern Healthcare Needs Clinical Trial Angels
Bridging the Information Gap
They do not know that there are clinical trials for which they may be eligible or have trouble deciphering the jargon and inclusion criteria. Clinical Trial Angels: Help We introduce you to a group of on demand personal assistants who are there to help you navigate the process easily and in a way you understand.
Improving the Rate of Trailing Participation
Approximately 80% of clinical trials are delayed or terminated as a result of inadequate recruitment of patients. “CTAs work to address this by getting involved early and matching suitable patients with a trial that is right for them, ultimately bettering overall patient outcomes and decreasing patient recruitment and retention timelines.”
Empowering Patient Choice
Patients with life-threatening or chronic diseases frequently exhaust available treatment options. Clinical Trial Angels enable these patients by providing options and access to treatment beyond the standard of care.
Promoting Diversity in Trials
Trial access is often a barrier for underserved populations. “Clinical Trial Angels have an important job to do by reducing inevitable health disparities that come with diversity and can help ALL people be part of the ‘cure” by making sure the research has diverse participants to ensure research results back that up!
Who could benefit from a clinical trial angel?
Clinical Trial Angels can help many patients, but they are especially helpful for:
- Cancer patients adopting experimental therapies
- Rare patients with few treatment options
- 1 Alternative Treatments of Chronic Illness patients
- Children being faced with very difficult decisions.
- Patients with good health but aged and need for comorbidities and extra help with logistics
They can also help caregivers and healthcare professionals seeking answers for their loved ones or patients.
How to Identify a Clinical Trial Angel
Finding a Clinical Trial Angel could vary according to location, you medical issue and how diligent your search is. Here are just a few places to begin:
Organizations of Groups of Patients
Numerous national and international disease-specific organizations have clinical trial assistance programs that are staffed by professionals trained to assist.
Patient-Phenotype Matching Platforms
Web-based applications such as ClinicalTrials. gov, TraJectory and Antidote can assist patients in the trial search. A few come with a human touch or concierge akin to a Clinical Trial Angel.
Hospitals and research institutions
Many cancer centers and research hospitals will have patient navigators or research nurses who double as Clinical Trial Angels.
Online Communities
There may be social media groups, forums, etc., for linking up with other folks who have some experience with Clinical Trial Angels.
Specialized Services
Certain private companies and non-profit groups have their own Clinical Trial Angel programs where they will match patients up with individual trial advocates.
Attributes of a Clinical Trial Angel
Empathetic: They should also compassionate, understanding and non-judgmental.
Health Literacy: They should be able to comprehend medical terms and explain them in simplest terms.
Experience: Previous experience in healthcare or research or advocacy is generally helpful.
Resourcefulness: The capacity to navigate systems, identify opportunities and solve problems is crucial.
Highest ethical standards: They must always make decisions based on what’s right for the patient & they must keep the best interest of the patient in mind only.
How a Clinical Trial Angel Helps You Every Step of the Way
The process is typically as follows:
Initial Consultation
The angel takes down the minutiae of medical history and preference: location and willingness to travel.
Preliminary Trial Research and Selection
They screen trial databases and consult with experts to track down matches.
Eligibility Screening
A Clinical Trial Angel assists you in meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria, and provides support to keep essential documentation.
Trial Application
They assist with filling out paperwork, gathering medical records and touching base with trial coordinators.
Support During the Trial
They are on hand to answer any questions, address any concerns, and help clients who need logistical support while the case is being handled.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is a Clinical Trial Angel a Medical Doctor?
Not always. Some could have a medical background as a doctor or nurse, though many have expertise as navigators, or advocates, highly trained in the complex world of clinical research.
How expensive is it to utilize a Clinical Trial Angel?
Many services are free at non-profits or hospital programs. Some private services do, but not all.
Will a Clinical Trial Angel ensure my acceptance in a trial?
No. They can help you find or apply to participate in a clinical trial, but whether you are allowed to participate depends on the eligibility criteria and the criteria set by the trial’s sponsor.
Are the services available in all countries?
Yes, but availability differs from country to country. For rare disease or global studies there are many organizations which provide international support.
How are Clinical Trial Angels assisting with logistics?
They may assist in organizing transportation, housing near the site of a trial, and in some cases even remote monitoring.
Conclusion: Someone To Show the Way
The path to a cure, or at least an improved quality of life, begins with knowing your options. A Clinical Trial Angel offers solutions beyond information; they also bring encouragement, empathy, and a human touch that can alleviate the emotional baggage accompanying clinical research. If you’ve been given a life-altering diagnosis, or if you are interested in finding new treatments, working with a Clinical Trial Angel might be what you have been looking for, your journey to hope and healing.
Their help can turn a confusing and overwhelming experience with clinical trials into an empowering (and potentially life-saving) experience. Having the right angel on your shoulder makes it even more, the possibilities more boundless, the path more illuminated, the results more optimistic.