Physicians or other HCPs may act as intermediaries to recruit patients by inviting patients to take part or passing on questionnaires on behalf of the agency

It is essential that:

• Patients understand that their participation is voluntary and no pressure is brought to bear on them to participate
• Patient’s identity is not disclosed to the agency until the patient has agreed to participate

If patients reply directly to the agency, the doctor cannot be told

Beware of pressure placed on patients by a physician request – and if possible avoid tying the reimbursement rate to the number of patients recruited

HCP’s may pre-complete patient record documentation but this must not be linked back to an identifiable patient

• If an AE/PC/SRS is revealed in the record the normal procedure should be followed

For further information refer to the Guidelines – Section E4.8: Recruiting patients through doctors