Transportation Innovation to Aid Parkinson Disease Trial Recruitment

Patients with Parkinson's disease face barriers that can make it difficult to travel to clinical trials. These include having dementia, loss of driving ability, timing of medications, impact of reduced mobility, and bowel and bladder concerns. Many of these barriers also affect patients with Alzheimer's disease.

In this pilot project, researchers sought to assess the feasibility and effect on research participation of prearranged rides through a third-party ride sharing service for research studies conducted at three academic sites. One of the sites was successful in setting up this service and surveyed participants on the impact of this service. The other two sites were unable to arrange contracts with the ride sharing service due to logistical issues.

In general, study participants who opted into the ride sharing service felt it made the process easier and less stressful. Most participants agreed that they are more likely to participate in another study if transportation is provided. The researchers concluded that larger studies that include data collection about retention are needed.

Frank S, Berk S, Hernandez L, et al. Transportation innovation to aid Parkinson disease trial recruitment. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications 2019;16, 100449. doi:10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100449.