Throughout 2024, Race in STEM founder, Steve Fuller, hosted a series of webinars on Clinical Trials, engaging a global audience. Industry experts shared insights that were often frustrating but also provided practical methods and ideas to improve representation and education around Clinical Trials.
However, in the world of Clinical Trials, one crucial voice is often overlooked - the patient.
Too often, the focus is on processes, protocols, and measurable progress. Yet, true development happens when we listen to the people these trials are designed to help. When patients’ voices are heard in clinical research, we gain insight into what truly matters - not just numbers and data, but the lived experience.
Clinical trials should not be about testing treatments alone; they should be about understanding what it means to genuinely improve lives.
Two reasons why your voice matters:
Purpose-driven progress: Your input ensures that clinical trials address real challenges, making treatments not just innovative but meaningful.
Faster solutions: When your needs and priorities guide research, the path to effective treatments becomes clearer and faster.
This series, Unlocking the Power of the Patient’s Voice, aims to inspire patients, researchers, doctors, nurses, friends, and family. Let’s remember patients are not subjects; they are partners. Enjoy our first episode, where we’ll hear from Sharon Rivera-Sanchez as she shares her journey and insights.
Sharon, a fit and healthy woman, was suddenly diagnosed with cancer and selected to participate in a clinical trial. In this podcast, she shares her story - from her diagnosis to the treatment and support she received through the trial process. Sharon’s experience sheds light on the challenges patients face when navigating clinical trials and the vital need for better patient inclusion.
The hope of this conversation is to amplify the patient’s voice, encouraging a more empathetic approach to clinical trials. Sharon’s story serves as a powerful reminder that patients should be at the centre of their care and that their experiences can help drive improvements in the clinical trial system.
If you’re facing a similar situation, don’t miss this conversation. Listen to the full podcast below to discover the support available and learn how to advocate for yourself.