创建激励性参与生态系统：在肥胖研究中取得成功

Creating a Motivating EngagementEcosystem: Achieving Success in Incorporating the patient voice and ‘lived experience’ into DEBRA GERLACH,Director, Patient Recruitment Strategy Clinical Operations, IQVIASTEPHANIE GALARZA,Associate Director, Patient Recruitment Strategy Clinical Operations, IQVIA Table of contents Understanding the emotional impact of obesity1Insight-driven strategies for a supportive treatment experience3Customizing engagement for diverse patient populations4Elevating the patient voice in trial content6Designing engagement strategy around the patient’s lived experience6Personalizing nutritional counseling with registered dietitians7What sites need: Strategies and tools for optimal support8Beyond Borders: Leveraging site intelligence for regional customization9Looking ahead: Opportunities and challenges in obesity research10References11About the authors12 Understanding the emotional impact of obesity The development, widespread adoption, and intense public curiosity of GLP-1receptor agonists have reshaped global perceptions of obesity and transformed The surge of more than 124 investigational molecules inthe pipeline¹ presents a significant opportunity to improvethe health of millions of people struggling with obesityworldwide. This growth will intensify competition amongsponsors, CROs, and sites for participant recruitmentand retention. As more approved treatment options To overcome these formidable challenges and effectivelycompete in this critical therapeutic category, clinical trialsmust focus on improving patient participation throughenhanced engagement and support. Achieving this Because those living with obesity often face complexphysical, emotional, and societal challenges, the successof clinical studies depends on how effectively sponsors, Drawing on IQVIA’s extensive experience managing 100 trials with ~54K patients across 2K sites in 50+ countries over thepast five years, this paper provides evidence-based guidance for navigating this dynamic therapeutic area. At its core is a Build a patient-centric engagement ecosystem that supports and motivates participants at every stage of the trial. Insight-driven strategies for a supportive treatment experience No two obesity patients are alike, and success in clinicalresearch depends on tailoring engagement strategies toreflect and respect this diversity. Medically, obesity is wellestablished as a heterogeneous condition — generally “Many patients internalize blame,viewing their weight as a personalfailure or lack of willpower. This self- These insights into the patient’s lived experiencesunderscore the importance of incorporating the patientvoice into the trial design. By reflecting their realities andempowering participants to regain control of their lives,sponsors can foster a more inclusive, supportive, and Despite these differences, common threads emerge inthe patient experience — particularly around stigma,emotional burden, and barriers to care. Amid the publicenthusiasm for novel weight management treatments,what often gets lost is the emotional and psychological toll on individuals living with obesity. Many contributingfactors lie beyond an individual’s control, including Because many patients perceive healthcare professionals asnot treating their condition with the seriousness or urgencyit deserves, participants in obesity trials need assurancethat they will be respected, cared for, and encouragedthroughout their trial experience. To deliver this, sites mustreceive comprehensive training, and patients should beoffered a customized trial journey. This training should Customizing engagement for diverse patient populations studies. These personas help us understand and empathizewith the recruitment, consent, and retention challengespatients face. This enables us to remove barriers bycustomizing their trial journey with compassion, while Before considering specific strategies to optimizeengagement in the obesity arena, sponsors and CROs mustensure they have the capabilities to harness robust patient Recent research validates the impact of incorporating thepatient voice into the study design. Protocols informed by patient advisory boards demonstrate improvedperformance and efficiency6, including faster startup A review of the overarching factors that motivate or deterpotential candidates from participating in an obesitystudy provides a foundational blueprint for developing a At IQVIA, we leverage our extensive obesity dataecosystem, primary research methodologies, patientcommunities, strategic partnerships, and behavioral “Potential participants are motivatedby improving their health and losingweight, learning how to integrate The perceived benefits of starting and remaining in aclinical trial include the opportunity to improve health,lose weight, gain practical guidance on integratingnutrition and exercise into daily life, and receivepersonalized, compassionate medical care. By providing Proven approaches