PATIENT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

Redefine rapid recruitment and optimal retention

Complex protocols and demands for faster results are putting new pressures on clinical trial sponsors. IQVIA Patient Recruitment and Retention harnesses the power of IQVIA Connected Intelligence™ to offer custom-designed solutions for patient-focused trials that accelerate enrollment, reduce site and patient burden, and deliver trials on time and budget. 

From Small Niche to Large Volume: Recruitment That Scales with you

Whether you’re targeting a rare disease population or launching a global Phase III trial, IQVIA’s Patient Recruitment Solutions under PSCS deliver precision and scalability. Our approach combines traditional site-based recruitment, omni-channel engagement, and the expertise of Clinical Trial Educators (CTEs)—trusted study ambassadors at the site level—to accelerate enrollment and improve patient experience.


By leveraging centralized recruitment strategies, Decentralized Trial Technology, and customizable patient and site-facing materials, sponsors can effectively reach, recruit, and retain patients across any geography and study size.


IQVIA’s recruitment engine doesn’t just find patients—it connects them to trials that matter.

Aim higher and transform trials with Omni-channel Recruitment

With unprecedented patient data and insights, combined with machine learning, IQVIA Omni-channel Recruitment helps eliminate obstacles that add time, cost, and uncertainty to recruitment efforts.

IQVIA’s precise data modeling capability and study-specific engagement strategy makes it possible to find both site-based patients and directly identified participants outside of the site’s known population using hyper-targeted outreach campaigns.

Accelerate Patient Enrollment with Clinical Trial Educators

Accelerate patient enrollment with IQVIA’s Clinical Trial Educators (CTEs)—trusted site-level ambassadors who reduce site burden, optimize recruitment strategies, and improve diversity. Our clinically trained professionals are dedicated to driving and accelerating patient enrollment. They reduce delays that can cost sponsors $600,000 to $8 million per day when trials miss enrollment targets. Faster enrollment means shorter timelines and quicker time-to-market for any therapeutic area.

Inclusive trials. Better outcomes.

Representation in clinical research

IQVIA helps sponsors enroll participants who reflect the populations impacted by disease. Using real‑world data, analytics, and operational expertise, we design and deliver inclusive trials—so study cohorts mirror the broader community and innovation accelerates for everyone.

We pioneer strategies to reach hard‑to‑reach geographies, racial & ethnic minority groups, and diverse socio‑economic communities—expanding access and participation in clinical research.

Patient education that builds understanding—and confidence

We help sponsors educate and empower patients through evidence‑based content, AI‑informed creative, and easy‑to‑use digital experiences—so trial participants can make informed decisions and stay engaged throughout the study.

  • Capture authentic patient perspective through detailed personas, journey mapping, advisory boards, qualitative feedback, and survey research. These real-world perspectives shape messaging, educational content, and study design—ensuring relevance and engagement at every stage.
  • Translate insights into materials that sites and participants actually use, including lay summaries, visit guides, and plain‑language explanations—to expand understanding and improve retention.

Gamification & Digital Engagement

IQVIA combines gamified learning with digital toolkits, plain‑language eConsent, and in‑app education to make participation simple and rewarding—while patient feedback helps us adapt in real time.

  • Digital Toolkits: Print/interactive brochures, visit guides, FAQs, checklists, and patient training videos/animations. 
  • ICF & eConsent: Plain language, multimedia, and accessibility features to improve comprehension and reduce errors. 
  • Gamified Engagement: Study Hub badges, reminders, surveys, and simple tasks to keep participation on track. 
  • Feedback Loops: Short patient surveys and questionnaires to identify barriers early and refine engagement.
  • Patient data share back – customizable to the study needs

Proven Impact. Measurable Results.

Our integrated recruitment and engagement strategies deliver real outcomes—accelerating enrollment, reducing site burden, and improving representation across studies of every size.

Reduction in Non-Enrolling Sites
57%

Reduction in non-enrolling sites in projects supported with robust Patient Recruitment scope

Higher Enrollment Rate
114%

Higher patient enrollment at sites supported by Digital Omni-channel Recruitment vs non-supported sites

Community-based Patients Engaged
37%

Community-based patient engagement from diverse and under-represented populations into DCT studies using direct-to-patient enrolment methods

Patient Recruitment & Enablement

The IQVIA Difference

We manage the entire recruitment journey in-house—covering everything from creative branding and study websites to electronic patient recruitment, referral management, and retention. This integrated approach gives sponsors and sites a seamless experience with one accountable partner. Plus, IQVIA offers flexible, customizable solutions tailored to each study’s unique needs for maximum effectiveness.

IQVIA uses AI-powered, protocol-specific patient models built on proprietary data to precisely identify and engage eligible participants—even those beyond a site’s known population. By integrating Agentic AI into toolkits and creative content, we enhance recruitment strategies, streamline informed consent, and deliver personalized experiences. Our solutions are fully customizable to meet the unique needs of both sponsors and sites, ensuring flexibility and effectiveness across every study.

Our Health Marketing Network of 250+ qualified partners (labs, HCP, biomarkers, advocacy groups, and specialty channels) expands targeted outreach to meet patients where they are.

Yes. IQVIA can quickly deploy Site Enablement Solutions, Clinical Trial Educators, and call-center support to reduce site burden and keep recruitment on track. Additionally, our AI-powered EMR data mining capabilities help identify eligible patients more effectively—even beyond the site’s known population—ensuring faster, smarter enrollment.

IQVIA’s integrated patient‑ and site‑facing technology (e.g., Study Hub, Referral Hub, eConsent/eCOA) streamlines education, screening, scheduling, communications, and referral‑to‑randomization workflows in one connected experience.

We engage through ClinicalResearch.com, featuring 20+ patient communities and education pathways that help inform and involve underrepresented populations.

Absolutely. We routinely integrate external recruitment companies and other third‑party channels into IQVIA‑run campaigns for maximum reach and efficiency.

Activating Patient Participation in Clinical Trials

Key ways to humanize trial design, through patient and site engagement strategies

Planning to Engage: A Holistic Approach to Patient Inclusion

IQVIA's Patient Engagement Framework supports comprehensive and consistent assessment and planning for the inclusion of patient needs and preferences.

Enhancing Clinical Trials: Best Practices for Site Collaboration

Strategies for improving study engagement and support

The Realities of Patient Recruitment and Retention

Patient recruitment has become one of the most challenging aspects of conducting clinical trials.

Related solutions

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