Clinical trials are the backbone of medical innovation, but behind every study are real people — patients who volunteer to participate. Understanding the patient experience is essential for sponsors, researchers, and healthcare providers who want to build trust and improve recruitment.
So what is it really like for a patient to join a clinical trial in Vietnam? Let’s take a look.
Why Patients Join Clinical Trials
Every patient has personal reasons for enrolling, but the most common motivations include:
- Access to new treatments not yet available on the market.
- Hope for better outcomes, especially in conditions with limited treatment options.
- Contribution to science, helping others with the same disease in the future.
- Closer medical monitoring, since trial participants are often followed more closely than regular patients.
The Patient Journey in a Clinical Trial
1. Recruitment and Informed Consent
Patients are first informed about the study through their doctor, hospital, or online platforms. They receive a detailed informed consent form that explains:
- The purpose of the trial.
- Possible benefits and risks.
- What participation involves (visits, procedures, tests).
👉 Patients often say this stage feels overwhelming — the medical language can be complex. Clear communication is key.
2. Screening and Eligibility
Not all patients qualify. Eligibility is based on strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Some patients describe this step as disappointing if they are not selected, but those who qualify feel hopeful.
3. Trial Participation
Once enrolled, patients attend regular visits for:
- Medical exams and lab tests.
- Treatment administration (drug, device, or procedure).
- Questionnaires about quality of life and side effects.
Many patients appreciate the extra attention from medical staff, but they may also find frequent visits time-consuming.
4. Follow-Up
After treatment, patients continue to be monitored for safety and long-term outcomes. They value knowing their health is being closely tracked even after the main study ends.
Benefits Patients Experience
- Early access to cutting-edge treatments.
- More frequent medical check-ups and monitoring.
- A sense of contributing to medical progress.
- Building stronger relationships with their doctors and trial staff.
Challenges Patients Face
- Long approval and screening processes.
- Travel time and costs for hospital visits.
- Anxiety over possible side effects.
- Lack of clear information in Vietnamese about trial procedures.
How VSCR Helps Improve the Patient Experience
At the Vietnam Society of Clinical Research (VSCR), we work to make clinical trials patient-centered by:
- Promoting plain-language communication so patients fully understand consent forms.
- Supporting training for coordinators and investigators to improve patient interactions.
- Advocating for more trial sites across Vietnam, reducing travel burden.
- Building awareness about the importance of patient voices in research.
Final Thoughts
Joining a clinical trial can be both hopeful and challenging for patients. By understanding their perspective, sponsors and researchers can design studies that are more patient-friendly, improve recruitment, and ensure participants feel valued.