Meeting enrollment targets presents a challenge for almost every clinical trial. Yet, many sponsors miss the opportunity to reach eligible patients in “rural” and under-served geographic areas, which make up about 19% of the total population of the US,¹ due to the potential challenges of engaging smaller, potentially research-naive sites.

There remains a gap in clinical trial education, access, and enrollment for patients outside urban centers, particularly in therapeutic areas with highly complex protocols and ultra-specific eligibility requirements like oncology and gastroenterology. In a recent study of 44 phase 2 and 3 oncology clinical trials, only “19.4% of patients (7184 of 36,995) were from rural locations.”² From the sponsor’s point of view, community and local sites are often dismissed as enrollment options as they tend to have fewer patients overall. To the site, running a clinical trial may seem overwhelming and time-consuming where resources are already constrained. Finally, from the patient’s perspective, challenges in participating in trials can include travel feasibility, financial constraints, and a lack of education or general. ^{3 4}

However, by implementing clinical trials at rural and research-naive sites, patients can gain access to potential treatment options that were previously out of reach.⁵

At Milestone One, we understand the value of closing the access gap for underserved and diverse populations to increase patient outcomes⁶ and access to clinical trials. Through our intimate understanding of small and rural sites’ pain points, including financial concerns, time limitations, technology, and staffing shortages,⁷ we work to eliminate these barriers.

Milestone One focuses on setting up infrastructure at each site through administrative and operational support at no direct cost – so that investigators can focus on what matters most: their patients. This also allows sites and providers to gain experience running trials with less financial risk or the burden of administrative work during start-up. We tailor clinical trial support to each site during the education and startup process, evaluating their skillset, capacity, and need.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Clinical research is no longer reserved for large institutions. With Milestone One, physicians can confidently enter the research space, provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments, and foster growth within their facility.

Contact us today and discover how easy it is to become part of the future of clinical research.