Paradigm Health Expands Clinical Trials Access in Rural America with Dr. David Shulkin

Expanding Access to Cancer Clinical Trials in Rural America

In a significant advancement for healthcare access, Paradigm Health announced the appointment of Dr. David Shulkin, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to its advisory board. This initiative is aimed at addressing the alarmingly low representation of rural patients in cancer clinical trials across the United States. Recent statistics indicate that only 42.4% of U.S. counties had any cancer clinical trials conducted between 2008 and 2022, showcasing a major gap in clinical trial availability for those living outside urban centers.

Rural areas often struggle with fewer medical facilities, less access to specialized oncologists, and minimal infrastructure to support clinical research. This has created what is known as 'clinical trial deserts,' severely limiting the options available for patients in these communities. In response, Paradigm Health is committed to reshaping the clinical trial landscape so that more rural Americans can participate in essential research studies that could lead to life-saving treatments.

Dr. Shulkin, who has extensive experience in enhancing healthcare access for veterans in rural areas, emphasized the importance of this endeavor. “During my time at the Veterans Health Administration, we worked diligently to ensure that our veterans, especially in rural communities, accessed the latest medical advancements,” he noted. With almost half of U.S. veterans residing in these regions, the need for improved access to clinical trials is critical.

To address the challenges faced in rural clinical research, Paradigm Health is employing advanced AI-driven technologies and healthcare services. The organization is launching partnerships with over 400 research sites spread across more than 1,000 healthcare provider locations, both domestically and internationally, including regions from Oregon to Arkansas and even Japan. By leveraging these technologies, Paradigm Health aims to mitigate the barriers to participation in clinical trials, enhancing the representativeness of trial populations.

In fact, preliminary results showcase the efficacy of this approach, with a North Dakota health system tripling patient participation in cancer clinical trials. Such results highlight how targeted strategies can potentially transform clinical trial engagement in underserved populations.

Luciana Borio, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and an advisor to Paradigm Health, has echoed the importance of equitable access. She remarked, “More access to participate will increase innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The existence of clinical trial deserts means we’re leaving swathes of potential behind.” Her insight underscores a belief shared by many in the public health arena: equitable participation in clinical trials is not only a matter of fairness but also critical for driving medical innovations.

Paradigm Health is addressing the issue of eligibility screenings for clinical trials with promising outcomes. By collaborating with OpenAI, the organization has successfully reduced the clinician's time to screen patients for eligibility by a remarkable 90%, simultaneously enhancing accuracy by 10%. This efficiency means that patients can discuss clinical trial options earlier in their treatment journey without overburdening healthcare providers—an essential factor in fostering wider participation.

“We are on a mission to integrate trials into patient care without additional costs or labor,” stated Kent Thoelke, CEO of Paradigm Health. The commitment to making clinical trials more accessible is not just revolutionary; it is essential for future medical progress in diverse populations.

In addition, the enthusiasm from biopharmaceutical sponsors showcases the industry's growing recognition of the importance of reaching more diverse patient populations through accessible clinical trials. These sponsors are eager to support initiatives aimed at extending trial access to more patients, thereby ensuring that clinical research can benefit all demographics.

Overall, the collaboration of Paradigm Health with Dr. Shulkin represents a critical step towards realizing equitable healthcare access through clinical trials. By focusing on the needs of rural America and leveraging advanced technology, Paradigm Health is set to make significant inroads in improving healthcare outcomes for some of the nation’s most underserved populations.