International Clinical Trials Day: Advancing patient-centred research
20th May marks International Clinical Trials Day, and is a moment to reflect on how clinical research can better serve patients. Too often, clinical trials address research questions that are not priorities for patients or measure outcomes that do not reflect what matters most to them.
Why patient involvement matters:
Engaging patients early in the clinical trial process, particularly during the identification of unmet needs and the design phase, leads to higher-quality evidence and more meaningful outcomes. It enhances the relevance and quality of medicines and regulatory decisions, builds trust in medical research, and improves participation rates.
The European Patients’ Forum's commitment:
EPF is actively involved in two EU-funded projects aimed at reshaping the future of clinical research:
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READI: This project focuses on enhancing inclusivity in clinical trials by addressing barriers to participation, particularly for underserved populations, and by promoting equitable access through patient-centred digital tools and frameworks.
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PROACT EU-Response: This project aims to strengthen clinical trial networks across Europe to improve pandemic preparedness. PROACT EU-Response supports the rapid activation and coordination of multi-country trials to ensure efficient responses to health emergencies.
Together, these projects reflect our commitment to patient-centred, inclusive, and impactful clinical research.