Access to care is one of the most significant determinants of health in the United States. While clinical trials play an essential role in helping researchers discover the safest and most effective medicines for patients, they often struggle to meet enrollment targets and engage a diverse group of participants.
What if contributing to healthcare research was as convenient as a trip to the neighborhood pharmacy?
With select Kroger pharmacies and The Little Clinic LLC (Little Clinic) locations now serving as clinical trial sites, America’s grocer is expanding its commitment to healthcare and bringing research opportunities to the communities where customers live, work and eat. By increasing awareness among more eligible clinical trial participants, the company’s healthcare division, Kroger Health, hopes to improve access and equity and enhance the quality of research to move healthcare forward for everyone.
“From our position at the nexus of food, pharmacy and healthcare, supporting clinical trials is a natural progression,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. “Our vision is to help people live healthier lives and that includes connecting them with innovative resources and convenient ways to participate in medical research. We believe that playing an active role in your health should be as convenient as shopping for groceries.”
Many factors can prevent people from participating in clinical trials. For some, the time commitment and costs associated with traveling to clinical trial sites can be burdensome. For others, it’s a lack of awareness—not knowing they are eligible for participation or understanding what a trial involves. With its recent expansion into clinical trials, Kroger Health is building upon its brand campaign of A World of Care is In-Store to enhance the quality of research in healthcare and provide the following benefits:
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Engage a vast customer base for faster patient recruitment
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Use digital capabilities and strategic collaboration to support simple trial infrastructure
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Reduce the need for participant travel through an expansive network of Little Clinics and pharmacies
Kroger’s commitment to health is well established. Customers can fill their prescriptions at Kroger pharmacies, visit the Little Clinic, receive professional nutrition tips, enjoy healthy living inspiration and so much more—right where they shop. Building upon Kroger’s ecosystem of services, Kroger Health offers simplified solutions that combine health, wellness and nutrition. Notably, the company enhanced its reputation as a trusted community healthcare destination during the COVID-19 pandemic by broadening its health services to meet customers where they are with best-in-class patient care.
“In everything we do, we strive to connect with people on an emotional and personal level to support their health and well-being,” said Jim Kirby, chief commercial officer, Kroger Health. “We are now applying these principles to clinical trials to optimize the participant’s experience, improve healthcare delivery and maintain continuity of care while expanding the frontiers of care and treatment.”
Select Kroger pharmacies and Little Clinic locations are currently serving as the primary trial sites for a clinical study sponsored by Persephone Biosciences, with more trials relevant to the customer base to be added going forward.
To learn more about how Kroger Health can support clinical trials, visit https://www.kroger.com/health/clinical-trials.
