mdgroup is committed to bringing the trial to the patient in decentralized and hybrid trials through our decentralized clinical services, designed to improve access and increase retention. At the center of this patient-first model are our incredible mobile health nurses, who are highly skilled professionals delivering clinical trial procedures with compassion and consistency in the comfort of patients’ own homes.
Mobile health nurses not only ease the burden on patients but also ensure compliance and high-quality data collection in real-world settings. Every visit represents a balance of precision and empathy, helping patients feel supported while advancing research.
Meet mdgroup mobile health nurse Anna
We spoke to Anna Spiszak, an experienced nurse with over 15 years in the profession, including 8 years in clinical research and 3 years conducting at-home trial visits. As an mdgroup mobile health nurse, Anna combines clinical expertise with adaptability and a strong commitment to patient care.
Her role is more than simply carrying out procedures – it’s about bringing trials directly to patients, reducing the barriers of travel and site visits, and ensuring every individual feels supported throughout their clinical trial journey. Anna’s work demonstrates how mobile health nursing is essential to delivering truly patient-centered decentralized trials through preparing complex lab samples to building trust during home visits.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you into mobile health nursing?
“I’ve always been drawn to work that allows me to help people in a meaningful, hands-on way. I started my career in a hospital setting, where I developed a strong clinical foundation and learned how to adapt quickly under pressure. Over time, I found that what I loved most was connecting with patients on a more personal level, really understanding their stories and what they needed beyond just the medical care.
Mobile health nursing gave me the opportunity to combine my clinical skills with a more flexible, patient-centered approach. The idea of bringing care directly to people, especially those who may have difficulty accessing traditional clinics, really resonated with me. Being part of clinical research in this way also allows me to contribute to the development of future treatments, which is incredibly rewarding.”
What feels different about delivering care in a patient’s home compared to a traditional clinical setting?
“There’s a certain comfort and trust that comes from meeting a patient in their own space. You get a fuller picture of their environment, their routines, and what might be impacting their health. It often leads to more honest conversations and better adherence to protocols. It’s more personal, and patients tend to feel more at ease.
In mobile health, you work much more independently. You’re responsible for planning your route, managing your time, and ensuring you have everything you need for each visit. There’s no team down the hall to grab supplies from or ask quick questions, so preparation and adaptability are key. But at the same time, it allows for greater autonomy and deeper patient engagement.
Preparation starts well before the visit, I review the protocol requirements, patient history, and what supplies I’ll need. I triple-check that I have all equipment, documents, and study kits packed properly. I also plan for any specific needs based on the patient’s home, like whether I’ll need extra PPE, or if there might be pets or children present. Communication is key, so I usually confirm the visit time and any special considerations with the patient ahead of time. I often ask the patient or their immediate family what form of communication suits them, whether they prefer text messages or should I call.”
Can you tell us about the types of procedures you often perform and about some of the clinical trials you’ve supported?
“It really depends on the study, but some of the most common procedures I perform include drawing blood, administering study medications – both oral and by injection – monitoring vital signs, performing an EKG, and collecting various samples such as urine, saliva, or swabs. I also take care of detailed documentation and ensure that each visit is exactly in line with the study protocol.
Additionally, I collect medical history regarding adverse events, possible hospitalization or new medications the patient has started taking. I am preparing blood to be sent to the laboratory. Every step is important to maintain data integrity and patient safety.
I’ve supported a wide range of trials, from vaccine studies to rare disease therapies. My role typically involves being the bridge between the patient and the study team. I collect essential data and samples, ensure the visit follows protocol, and monitor for any adverse events. In some trials, I’ve also provided long-term follow-up care in the patient’s home, which helps reduce the burden on the patient and increases retention in the study. The research in which I participated and continue to participate concerns both children and adults. The research I participated in included amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in adults, tuberous sclerosis in children and SCN2A in children.”
What part of your role do you find most rewarding – can you share any memorable patient stories?
“Time spent one-on-one with patients is extremely rewarding. When I hear that my visits make participating in the study easier or less stressful for them, I am reminded why I do it. I’ve met patients who said they couldn’t have entered the trial without the option of home visits – that kind of impact is truly memorable.
Without a doubt – the rare disease study involved one minor patient who lived in a very remote area. I visited them every 2 weeks for about 6 months and over time we built a strong bond. They told me I was the only health care provider they felt really comfortable with. The patient’s mother said that thanks to these visits they could participate in the clinical trial. This experience reminded me how valuable it is to meet patients where they are, literally and emotionally. It’s moments like these that make this work worthwhile.
I also remember making every effort to qualify a patient for a study. I knew that the first visits were the most important, so I focused on being well prepared and also made sure the patient felt prepared and comfortable. For me, it was rewarding to see their trust grow, and for the patient it meant feeling supported at a very stressful stage.”
How do you see the role of nurses evolving in mobile health and decentralized trials and how do you ensure the patient experience stays central in your work?
“I think the role of nurses has really expanded. We’re no longer just following instructions, we’re more involved in coordination, patient education, and supporting patients through the process. With decentralized trials and more use of technology, nurses are becoming a key connection between patients and research teams.
For someone curious about becoming a mobile health nurse, I’d say it’s a very rewarding career, but it does require flexibility and strong communication skills. You get the chance to work closely with patients in their own homes, which helps build trust. At the same time, you’re part of advancing clinical research, so it combines direct patient care with innovation.
I think decentralized trials will keep growing, because they make research much more accessible to patients who might not otherwise take part. For nurses, it means more autonomy and responsibility, and also the opportunity to bring care and research directly into people’s homes, which is very impactful.
I see myself as the bridge. I explain complex medical information in a way patients can understand, and I also listen carefully to their concerns and share that feedback with the research team. That way, patients feel heard and valued, and researchers get a clearer picture of the patient experience.
For me, it always starts with listening. I take time to explain what will happen, check in with how the patient feels, and adapt to their needs. My goal is to make every visit feel respectful, supportive, and focused on the patient, not just the protocol.”
Mobile health services driving patient-centered decentralized trials
In decentralized trials, patients can take part on their own terms, reducing the burden of site visits and improving protocol adherence. 42% of patients cited travel inconvenience as the reason they declined a trial. Bringing the trial to the patient directly addresses these challenges.
mdgroup’s decentralized clinical services bring trials into patients’ homes, offering flexibility and convenience while maintaining high-quality data and strict protocol adherence. Supported by in-house operational teams, medical distribution centres, and a global network of trained healthcare professionals through our HCP clinical staffing services, we ensure every visit is compliant and precisely executed.
Our mobile health nurses are at the heart of these patient-centred solutions. As we’ve seen through Anna’s experience, mobile health nursing enables patients who might otherwise be unable to participate in life-changing clinical trials. Our nurses go above and beyond to ensure patients feel safe, supported, and valued in their own home environment. For more insight into the role of mobile health nurses and the impact they have on patient-centred decentralized trials, see our previous blog with one of our nurses here.
Learn more about mdgroup’s decentralized clinical services and how we bring trials to patients wherever they are.
