Despite the critical role clinical trials play in advancing cancer treatment, only about 3% of new cancer patients participate in them, according to a study by the University of California Davis Cancer Center. That means the vast majority of patients may be missing out on potentially life-changing options, often simply because they aren’t aware or informed. When patients hear the words “clinical trial,” they often think of last-resort treatments or risky experiments. But in reality, clinical trials are an essential part of advancing medicine, and they can be a powerful option for patients at many stages of care.
Unfortunately, many healthcare teams aren’t fully equipped to talk about clinical trials in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and confidence-inspiring. And that’s a missed opportunity for both patients and providers.
Whether you work in a hospital, specialty clinic, or private practice, your team plays a critical role in educating patients about their care options, including trials. With the right training, they can do this effectively and help more people access cutting-edge treatments that could improve or even save their lives.
Let’s explore why this matters and how to get your team ready.
Why Talking About Clinical Trials Matters
Clinical trials are how we discover new treatments, improve existing ones, and make healthcare better for everyone. From cancer to chronic diseases to rare conditions, trials are the reason today’s standard of care is far better than it was 10 or 20 years ago.
But the success of a clinical trial depends on one thing: participation. And many eligible patients never hear about the trials that could help them.
Here’s why that happens:
- Healthcare teams don’t always bring up trials early enough
- Staff may feel uncomfortable discussing the unknowns involved
- Patients may not understand the benefits, or they may be afraid to ask questions
In short, if your team doesn’t talk about clinical trials clearly and confidently, patients may miss out.
How Staff Training Makes a Difference
When your team knows how to communicate about clinical trials, the benefits are significant:
- Patients feel informed and empowered
- Trials can fill faster and produce better data
- Your facility builds a reputation as a research-friendly site
- You open more pathways to advanced treatment
How to Train Your Team to Talk About Clinical Trials with Patients
Communication around clinical trials isn’t always intuitive. That’s why formal training matters. Here’s what your staff needs to know—and how to help them get there.
Understand the Basics of Clinical Trials
Your team doesn’t need to be research coordinators, but they do need a working understanding of how trials operate. This includes:
- The different phases of clinical trials (Phase I–IV)
- The goals of a given trial (testing safety, effectiveness, dosage, etc.)
- Eligibility criteria for patients
- What informed consent means
- Common risks and benefits
- Who oversees the trial (e.g., FDA, institutional review board)
By learning the fundamentals, staff can speak more confidently—and answer basic patient questions without hesitation.
Practice Clear, Compassionate Communication
One of the biggest challenges in talking about clinical trials is avoiding confusion or fear. Medical jargon and vague reassurances don’t help patients make informed choices.
Instead, train your team to:
- Use plain language (e.g., “This study compares two treatments to see which works better” instead of “This is a randomized control trial”)
- Address common concerns (safety, costs, side effects, etc.)
- Explain the voluntary nature of participation (patients can say no or withdraw anytime)
- Normalize the conversation (present trials as a standard option, not a last resort)
You can also role-play different conversations so staff feel more confident when the real thing happens.
Know When and How to Bring It Up
Timing matters. The earlier a patient hears about a clinical trial, the more time they have to consider their options carefully. Waiting until other treatments have failed can make patients feel like they’re out of choices.
Your team should know how to:
- Introduce the idea of trials early in the care journey
- Collaborate with physicians and research staff to identify eligible patients
- Include clinical trials in written treatment options or handouts
- Follow up with patients after an initial conversation
It’s not about pressuring anyone—it’s about making sure the option is on the table.
Respect Cultural Sensitivities and Health Literacy
Patients come from different backgrounds, and their perspectives on research can vary widely. Some may mistrust clinical trials due to past injustices. Others may have limited experience navigating the healthcare system.
Training should include:
- Cultural competence and trauma-informed communication
- Tips for identifying and addressing misunderstandings
- Strategies for explaining trials in multiple languages or formats
Patients are more likely to consider participation when they feel seen, heard, and respected.
Understand Your Facility’s Trial Opportunities
If your organization runs clinical trials or partners with research centers, make sure your team knows what’s currently available.
That includes:
- Current open studies
- Referral processes
- Who the point person is for more information
Staff should know how to refer patients or escalate questions, even if they’re not research experts themselves.
Keep It Ethical and Transparent
Honesty builds trust. Your training should always emphasize that patients deserve:
- Full disclosure about risks and benefits
- Time to think about their decision
- Freedom to decline without pressure or consequences
This ensures compliance and supports ethical care, while also reinforcing patient-centered communication.
Final Thoughts: A Better Experience for Everyone
Clinical trials aren’t just about data—they’re about people. The patients who participate in trials today are paving the way for the treatments of tomorrow. And your staff has the chance to help them do it.
By training your team to speak confidently, clearly, and ethically about trials, you help:
- Expand patient access to innovative care
- Improve research quality and representation
- Build stronger relationships based on trust and shared decision-making
Need Help Training Your Team?
At American Medical Compliance, we specialize in customized training programs that prepare your healthcare staff to confidently talk about clinical trials—while ensuring compliance, boosting efficiency, and building trust with every patient interaction.
- Designed for front-line staff, nurses, and providers
- Real-world, easy-to-understand scenarios
- Flexible formats built for busy healthcare environments
Have a large team? Enroll in our free, customized course development program—tailored to your organization’s needs, workflows, and goals.
Let’s equip your staff to guide patients clearly, compliantly, and compassionately. Reach out today to get started.
