DIA Patient Partner Program Fellows Respond to Direct-to-Patient Shipment Framework
I

n conjunction with this Tufts CSDD survey, DIA asked the Patient Partner Program Fellows from the last several DIA Global Annual Meetings if they had any experience with DTP components in a clinical trial.

DIA Patient Partner Fellows are patient advocates who were awarded the Patient Partner Program Scholarship to attend DIA Global Annual Meetings. They are actively involved in advocacy efforts and have made a meaningful impact within their communities.

While the sample size was limited to nine respondents, a number of valuable insights surfaced.

DTP Key Takeaways
DTP Opportunities
DTP Risks
  • The majority of respondents (6/9) were not aware that direct-to-patient shipping of study medication was possible in clinical trials
  • 8/9 respondents believed DTP can reduce patient burden and would make them more willing to remain in the trial
  • 1/9 respondents was asked to participate in a trial with a DTP component and subsequently opted in, though DTP was not seen as a motivator
  • More flexible appointments
  • Reduced time off/cost/stress related to travel
  • Increased administrative burden on trial participants
  • Additional dosage and storage-related training required for patients and caregivers
  • Decreased dosing-related compliance with protocol
  • Possible AEs away from direct medical support
  • Delivery issues
DTP Key Takeaways
  • The majority of respondents (6/9) were not aware that direct-to-patient shipping of study medication was possible in clinical trials
  • 8/9 respondents believed DTP can reduce patient burden and would make them more willing to remain in the trial
  • 1/9 respondents was asked to participate in a trial with a DTP component and subsequently opted in, though DTP was not seen as a motivator
DTP Opportunities
  • More flexible appointments
  • Reduced time off/cost/stress related to travel
DTP Risks
  • Increased administrative burden on trial participants
  • Additional dosage and storage-related training required for patients and caregivers
  • Decreased dosing-related compliance with protocol
  • Possible AEs away from direct medical support
  • Delivery issues
Survey results on awareness, participation, and willingness for Direct-to-Patient (DTP) shipments of investigational treatments in clinical trials.
Though direct-to-patient shipping has the possibility to positively impact patient experience, further analysis is required to better understand the overall opportunities and risks.
DIA thanks Lee Jones, Patrick O. Gee, Loriana Hernandez-Aldama, and others for participating in this survey.
Back to Issue