Burden changes behavior
A theoretically eligible patient may decline a study that requires repeated long travel, invasive procedures or time away from work.
Burden creates operational cost
Transportation, reimbursement, rescheduling, missed visits and retention programs can add expense beyond the protocol's obvious procedures.
Simplification can improve both recruitment and cost
Removing nonessential visits or procedures can sometimes improve participation without weakening the decision value of the study.
Questions people actually ask
FAQ
How do I measure patient burden?
Map travel, visit duration, procedures, caregiver requirements, fasting and schedule constraints from the participant's point of view.
Is decentralization always better?
No. Home or remote elements help only when they preserve data quality and are operationally simpler.
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