13 May 2019 - - Ireland-based drug and device development and commercialisation services provider Icon plc, (NASDAQ: ICLR) has released its web based patient engagement platform, to provide patients with study specific information and connectivity with the nearest investigative site, the company said.

The solution supplements patient recruitment outreach by sites and increases visibility of potential study participants for sponsors and sites.

Patient recruitment specialists work with sponsors to develop outreach programs that incorporate the right mix of digital channels, traditional methods and patient advocacy partnerships to attract patients to a study branded website hosted on the platform.

An interface guides the patient to new and ongoing studies in their particular indication and a pre-qualification questionnaire helps to determine if the study is a right fit for them. If the patient decides to register interest, they are given the option to select their nearest investigative site.

This establishes connection with the site and the patient can then choose to contact the site or ask to be contacted for pre-screening.

By being able to access the mobile optimised website at home, patients are able to discuss the possibility of trial participation as a clinical care option with their family and caregivers.

Making it easier for the patient to register interest will increase access to potential patients for sponsors. The platform will also enable site staff to see the number of pre-qualification questionnaires completed in near real-time to monitor and report on progress to sponsors.

Icon is a global provider of outsourced drug and device development and commercialisation services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and government and public health organisations.

With headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, Icon employed approximately 13,920 employees in 90 locations in 37 countries as at March 31, 2019.