Why patient-centric trials matter: Experts Jonathan Kornstein (Caidya) and April Bell (JPS Health Network) argue that centring the patient journey — from meeting basic needs to using decentralised tools like eCOAs and home nursing — improves recruitment, retention and data quality. The podcast also examines how federal policy changes and HHS actions, alongside AI and wearable technology, are reshaping trial design. Practical, low-cost supports and thoughtful technology use can reduce burden and increase trial equity.
Beyond AI — How Patient-Centric Design Is Reshaping Clinical Trials
Podcast: Beyond AI: Why patient-centric clinical trials matter now
Research that drives new treatments depends on many parties — research coordinators, contract research organisations (CROs) and, above all, patients, who remain central to a trial's success. At the same time, rising use of artificial intelligence (AI), wearable sensors and remote monitoring is reshaping how participants engage with studies and, in some cases, introducing new burdens.
Podcast highlights
In this episode, Manasi Vaidya, Editor at GlobalData Insights, speaks with two clinicians actively involved in research: Jonathan Kornstein, Vice President and Therapeutic Area Head for Rare Disease and Pediatrics at CRO Caidya, and April Bell, Interim Director of the Office of Clinical Research at JPS Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas. Their conversation explores regulatory change, technology adoption and practical steps sites and CROs can take to centre patients in trial design and delivery.
Patient-centric approaches that make a difference
Kornstein and Bell emphasise that many effective interventions are straightforward and low-cost. Addressing participants' basic needs or reducing logistical burdens can materially improve recruitment, retention and the overall participant experience.
April Bell: "We don't need advertising dollars… we need to be able to help these people live… with food and housing."
Jonathan Kornstein: "I'm a big proponent of taking the patient-centric approach…. We [at Caidya] think about the patient journey before we start."
Kornstein recommends decentralised methods where appropriate — for example, electronic clinical outcome assessments (eCOAs) and home nursing solutions — to lessen the load on patients and caregivers. Bell also stresses that meeting patients where they are and asking what they need not only helps enrolment but significantly boosts retention throughout a study.
Regulatory and technological context
The interview touches on how recent federal law changes and actions at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are shaping study design and operations. Meanwhile, technology — from AI-driven analytics to wearable devices and remote monitoring — creates opportunities for richer data collection but can also add complexity that must be managed with the participant in mind.
Why this matters for sponsors and sites
For sponsors, CROs and research sites, centring the patient journey—including practical support such as assistance with food, transport or housing when needed—can be as important as adopting new technologies. Designing trials around real-world patient needs improves recruitment and retention, yields better data, and enhances equity and access to research.
Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify: Beyond AI: Why patient-centric clinical trials matter now.
Recorded at the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials (OCT) East Coast conference in New Brunswick, New Jersey, 12–13 May 2026. Originally published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData-owned brand.
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