{"id":70211,"date":"2022-10-27T21:30:59","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T21:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imperialcrs.com\/blog\/?p=70211"},"modified":"2023-12-06T06:51:37","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T06:51:37","slug":"print-for-clinical-studies-5-reasons-why-it-is-a-popular-and-powerful-tool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imperialcrs.com\/blog\/patient-recruitment-and-retention\/print-for-clinical-studies-5-reasons-why-it-is-a-popular-and-powerful-tool\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons Print for Clinical Studies is a Powerful Tool"},"content":{"rendered":"

Imperial began as a business printer and evolved and broadened over four decades to fully support clinical studies in a million different ways. Today, printed materials are still popular. In our U.S. and U.K. facilities, our presses keep rolling, as the sponsors and CROs we work with continue to utilize the power of print for clinical studies. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n

One: Clinical study sites want<\/em> print materials.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Seventy-five percent of sites utilize print recruitment materials sent to them by sponsors. I recently attended an investigator meeting<\/a> where we walked through some of the print materials we designed, wrote, translated, and printed for a clinical study. This included informed consent flipcharts, parent guide books, posters, and flyers.<\/p>\n

Site staff members approached me afterward hoping we also had pocket protocols, informed consent pocket cards, and laminated study procedure guides on key rings. These materials are easy for site personnel to carry and refer to, which promotes protocol adherence.<\/p>\n

When I spoke to the sponsor about the feedback I was getting, they told me several sites had approached them as well, and they would like us to provide those additional materials.<\/p>\n

Two: P<\/strong>rint works! <\/strong><\/h2>\n

For smaller studies, or studies that are taking place in emerging economies, print is an effective tool, especially for data collection. There are no bandwidth problems, no passwords, no PC system requirements, and no international electric outlet concerns<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Everyone understands how paper works and where to fill in the blanks. Despite the availability and prevalence of technology solutions, sponsors and CROs still call us every day looking for print tools.<\/p>\n

Three: Print is tangible. <\/strong><\/h2>\n

There is something intrinsically effective, perhaps even primordial, in terms of how impactful it is to hand a document to someone as part of the education process.<\/p>\n

When talking to prospective patients about a study, handing them a brochure, fact sheet, or answers to frequently asked questions is a way to connect with them. It says we care about your knowledge and comfort level. We are giving this to you before we ask you to give anything to us.<\/p>\n

Four: Print stands out.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Print<\/p>\n

Have you ever gone to a community event and talked to an exhibiting group with an empty table? People display signage and distribute brochures and flyers because it captures the eye of passersby. Words and images draw people in, encourage conversation, and allow you to give something physical to them to take away. Video screens and digital information are impactful, but you’re not likely to want someone to walk off with them.<\/p>\n

Five: Print for clinical studies is flexible. <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Print can be displayed in thousands of different formats and customized to meet every need. Here is just a handful of examples of items we regularly print for clinical trials:<\/p>\n