Expanding Cancer Clinical Trials Access in Rural Communities: A Success Story

Introduction

In an effort to improve cancer care for rural populations, Altru Health System partnered with Paradigm to expand access to clinical trials. This initiative has notably increased the number of oncology patients participating in clinical research, resulting in enhanced treatment options and potentially better health outcomes.

The Challenge

Patients in rural communities often face obstacles in accessing advanced medical treatments. Geographic isolation and limited healthcare resources make it difficult for them to participate in clinical trials, which are crucial for discovering new and effective cancer treatments.

The Partnership

Altru Health System, serving a vast rural area, teamed up with Paradigm to tackle these barriers. Paradigm provided a platform that integrated Altru’s disparate data systems, enabling more efficient patient screening for clinical trials. This collaboration significantly alleviated the administrative burden on Altru's staff.

Improved Screening Process

With the help of Paradigm, Altru adopted a pre-screening process for all patients before their care visits. This proactive approach boosted the number of annual patient visits screened for clinical trial eligibility from 10,200 to over 21,200, thereby providing more opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research.

The Impact

As a result of this initiative, Altru Health System saw a remarkable increase in the number of cancer patients enrolling in clinical trials. The enrollment rate jumped from 4% to 11%, tripling the patients choosing clinical research as a care option. This increase benefits not only the patients by offering more treatment choices but also contributes to medical research that could lead to better therapies in the future.

Benefits for Patients

Clinically, rural patients are now provided with new options to manage their cancer treatment. This increased access can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life, potentially offering life-saving therapies that were previously unavailable to them due to geographic and systemic limitations.

A Broader Implication

This partnership highlights the disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas and demonstrates that with the right tools and strategies, these gaps can be overcome. It serves as a model for other healthcare systems looking to implement similar initiatives.

Community and Socioeconomic Impact

Beyond improving individual patient outcomes, this initiative fosters a stronger community healthcare system. By embracing clinical research, rural health facilities can attract more talent and resources, ultimately enhancing the overall healthcare infrastructure.

Future Directions

Altru Health System and Paradigm’s collaboration showcases the potential for expanding clinical trial access. Future efforts may include reaching even more remote populations and diversifying the range of ailments addressed through research, extending beyond oncology.

Conclusion

The successful partnership between Altru Health System and Paradigm demonstrates that technology and strategic collaboration can significantly enhance clinical trial access for rural populations. This initiative not only benefits today's patients but also paves the way for future advancements in the medical field.