Ahead of the Curve

Some logistical challenges cannot be predicted or planned for, but years of experience have given Colpitts Clinical the advantage of knowing how to respond quickly and effectively to common travel issues. When severe weather is predicted, the Colpitts team proactively begins changing travel itineraries and arrangements because many of our patients’ treatments are very difficult to reschedule and need to be received within a given timeframe.

Layovers and delays are frustrating to every traveler, but these inconveniences simply aren’t an option for clinical trial patients who need mobility assistance or who are on strict schedules for taking their medications or eating. One strategy is to fly patients out of a nearby airport that the storm may be missing, or Colpitts arranges for the patient to receive treatment at another trial site if the problematic weather is at their original destination.

Delays are not always related to weather. Another common disruption in patient travel is when the traveler requires assistance, but the airline is unaware. Colpitts works with TSA to identify patients who need assistance and who have wheelchairs that need to be brought on-board. Proactive communication with the airline helps avoid unnecessary and time-consuming interruptions in patient travel.

In some cases, patients require an ambulance to transport them from the airport to their final destination, which are booked by Colpitts ahead of time. Travel can be unpredictable, but one of the ways in which Colpitts is able to provide a seamless travel experience for clinical patients is by understanding all of their needs and leveraging experience and a global network of vendors to find solutions that work and provide a sense of security for the patient.