Patient recruitment and retention is more of a process than a single activity, starting with protocol development, feasibility studies and site selection and continuing with ongoing activities throughout the trial from first patient in (FPS) to last patient out (LPO). LINK addresses proper patient recruitment and retention in a systematic way throughout the planning and conduct of every trial.

Feasibility, site evaluation / selection

At LINK, we have the necessary network and overview of local hospital specialties, expert groups, key opinion leaders and investigators within most therapeutic areas, and the flexibility to turn around fast and perform feasibility studies at short notice. LINK analyses the feasibility of performing your project at national level as well as at specific sites, and we base our recommendations on the following criteria:

• Treatment guidelines and practices (international, regional, national and local)
• Availability of patient population in the country and in the Scandinavian region (incidence, prevalence)
• Concurrent or competing trials in the country and locally
• Site interest and qualifications
• Workload and available resources at the site
• Previous experience and record of performing clinical trials
• Equipment and facilities
• Database searches (journals, medical record systems, prescription registries, national statistics etc.)
• Other sponsor-specific requirements