Tools
Tools
Doran, Steven (2025) How can Ireland Improve Access to Clinical Trials for Patients? A Policy and Strategy Perspective. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.
Preview |
PDF (Bachelor of Arts)
Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Clinical trials are essential for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of new therapies, improving patient outcomes, and contributing to economic growth. Yet, Ireland has consistently underperformed in this area compared to international best practice. This dissertation explores the question: ‘How Can Ireland Improve Access to Clinical Trials for Patients? A Policy and Strategy Perspective.’
Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines 14 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the Irish clinical trials ecosystem and quantitative analysis of Ireland’s performance relative to benchmark countries. This dual approach provides a more comprehensive understanding than either method alone, revealing both systemic challenges and practical opportunities for improvement. This comprehensive analysis reveals systemic barriers and under-utilised opportunities that hinder Ireland’s clinical trial potential. From this, the study proposes a set of evidence-based recommendations focused on five key domains:
1. Policy & Advocacy – Strengthening national direction and visibility.
2. Funding – Enhancing investment in trial infrastructure and capacity.
3. Integration – Improving coordination across health, research, and regulatory systems.
4. Strategic Partnerships – Leveraging public-private and academic collaborations.
5. Legislative Interpretation – Clarifying and streamlining the clinical trials regulatory environment
These findings highlight the need for a cohesive national strategy that aligns policy with operational realities, ensuring patients in Ireland have greater and more equitable access to clinical trials.
While the study provides a robust foundation for policy development, certain limitations are acknowledged, including time constraints and a non-representative sample of stakeholders. As such, findings may not fully capture the breadth of perspectives across the sector. Future research should delve deeper into national infrastructure, expand stakeholder engagement, and build on this work to create an enhanced base for meaningful reform in Ireland’s clinical trial landscape.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Undergraduate) |
|---|---|
| Supervisors: | Name Email MacDonald, Robert UNSPECIFIED |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica R Medicine > Healthcare Industry J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > Ireland |
| Divisions: | School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Business Studies |
| Depositing User: | Ciara O'Brien |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Mar 2026 13:16 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Mar 2026 13:16 |
| URI: | https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9179 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |