D. Anderson & Company (DAC) was named a finalist in the GCPj Awards' Most Innovative Patient Recruitment Strategy category for its work on a hypertension clinical research study sponsored by a well-known pharmaceutical company. DAC was honored alongside other industry notables Oct. 20, 2009, during a gala at Merchant Taylors' Hall in London.
This was the second time since 2007 that DAC has been on the short list for this award, which recognizes the patient recruitment initiative that best addresses the issue of enrolling sufficient numbers of patients by the target date and ensuring that recruitment goals were met or exceeded. Kristy Wort, DAC senior project lead, skillfully managed both the 2007 and 2009 programs submitted for award consideration. Judging criteria included recruitment targets for the trial, the entrant's role in identifying and implementing the recruitment strategy and numerous other factors.
"The hypertension project was particularly rewarding and we are honored to have been recognized for our efforts," Wort said. "Our client's goal was to enroll 250 patients over a 7-month period and we exceeded that target by enrolling 341 patients from September 2008 to April 2009. DAC 's role focused on facilitating study awareness through a variety of within-practice and external awareness campaigns. Initiatives were sustained through the entire program to keep the study top-of-mind for sites, clinical research associates and the public at-large."
Awards are bestowed annually by GCPj - an international magazine dedicated to improving healthcare through the pursuit of excellence in clinical research and development. Awards are presented in 11 categories, including Best Technological Development in Clinical Trials - Software Solutions, Best Technological Development in Clinical Trials - Communication Systems, Most Innovative Patient Recruitment Strategy, Most Successful Early Phase Trial, Best International Trial, Project Manager of the Year, Clinical Research Professional of the Year, Clinical Research Team of the Year, Data Management Team of the Year, Academic Researcher of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
