Challenging the AI default in patient recruitment
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Learn more about how human insights and operational excellence drove 250% more enrollments than expected in a psychedelic postpartum depression trial.
Evaluating a patient-centric recruitment model in a psychedelic PPD study
Our goal was to determine whether a patient-centric recruitment model anchored in human-led prescreening, site collaboration, and real-time data science could accelerate enrollment in a postpartum depression (PPD) psychedelic treatment study.
The sponsor tasked 1nHealth with contributing roughly a quarter of total trial enrollment while maintaining exceptional candidate quality. From the start, our team applied its core operating model of real people guiding patients through thoughtful prescreening conversations, close coordination with sites to align expectations, and continuous tracking of every stage in the enrollment funnel from submission to randomization.
This combination of human insight and data agility allowed us to identify bottlenecks early, refine messaging to improve conversion, and move qualified candidates through efficiently and ethically. With rapid creative testing and real-time operational pivots, we sustained both speed and precision throughout the campaign.
How human insights drive patient engagement and enrollment
Through iterative A/B testing, we identified visual styles that both engaged and aligned with the psychedelic theme of evocative gradients, organic motion, and softened imagery that mirrored internal transformation, driving stronger emotional connection and click-through rates.
Early qualitative insights showed that patients valued transparency. By naming the treatment as psychedelic early, we built trust and curiosity rather than hesitation.
Calling it an investigational treatment reframed “experimental” as “a new chance” for women who had exhausted other options and were looking for hope.
Operational excellence tailored to new moms
Empathy-Led Coordination
Only female patient coordinators interacted with new moms, creating an atmosphere of trust and emotional safety.
Follow-Through That Cares
More proactive follow-ups acknowledged real-life unpredictability, helping re-engage participants after missed visits.
Gentle, Frequent Touchpoints
Increased appointment reminders and nurturing communications reduced stress and supported adherence.
Compassionate Flexibility
Offering flexible scheduling and rescheduling options honored the realities of early motherhood and kept participation attainable.
Challenging patient recruitment assumptions to effectively reach people
We were recently brought on to support a sponsor’s recruitment efforts for a clinical trial focused on new mothers seeking relief from post-partum depression.
To better connect with the target audience, we ran various A/B tests on different versions of messaging and creative—exploring out-of-the-box ideas when it came to tone and imagery.
The result?
✅ The majority of consented patients (54%)
✅ The majority of randomized patients (56%)
✅ The lowest overall screen fail rate (58%)
And we finished 14 months ahead of original LPI expectations.
All made possible by meeting patients where they are with messaging that resonated and strategy rooted in real-world responses.
Patient recruitment excellence through collaboration and data intelligence
Recruitment success was fueled not just by bold creative, but by the disciplined execution of human-led patient engagement, real-time analytics, and a culture of rapid testing and adaptation.
This integrated model ensured that every action was data-informed and grounded in close collaboration. The outcome was a higher proportion of qualified patients, stronger site partnerships built on trust and transparency, and enrollment results that exceeded sponsor expectations for both speed and quality.
View Now: Challenging The AI Default
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