Long distance trials patient?

[Ayvah, RN]

I have a patient here in the US who has tried multiple medications for her condition without success. She is running out of options and her condition is deteriorating. There is another drug which, when used off label, has shown promise in previous clinical trials. Her insurance is denying covering this medication for her, and appeals have failed. When I look up the current research studies on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, the only trials which are currently recruiting are in Europe.

I was wondering how common it was to have long distance participants in clinical trials? Does it even get done? I wanted to email the study coordinator next week but I don't know if he knows English or not :/ I am unsure how aggressively I should pursue this. If anyone has any thoughts, that would be very helpful!

[dishes, BSN, RN]

It may be possible for an out of country patient to participate in a study, the patient would likely have to pay for their own expenses for transportation and accommodation.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

I don't think it would hurt to email the study coordinator. The worst he could do is say "no" (or delete the email if he does not speak English). I would just say to be careful (very) with the pt's personal information.

[RubyRN,CHPN]

There are compainies in the US that do specialize in alternate site clinical trials, meaning some of the collection of data and specimens is done at home vs. the actual study site but whether or not it is done when the study site exists in another country, I do not know. Might be something to inquire about. Best of luck.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

The chances of a European doctor speaking English are probably around 97%. Give it a try, the worst that can happen is they say "no" or don't reply....