At mdgroup, when we say patient first, we mean it, and so do the remarkable healthcare professionals (HCPs) who deliver care on the ground, no matter the obstacles in their way.
Recently, Alessandro, one of our mobile health HCPs in the Province of Florence, Italy, faced extraordinary challenges during visits to a paediatric patient with a rare disease.
These visits are already highly complex and typically last up to eight hours, covering:
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Pharmacokinetic (PK), blood, and urine sampling
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Telehealth coordination with investigators
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ECGs and physical examinations
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Patient and caregiver diary completions
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Receipt and reconciliation of investigational product (IP)
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IP administration
But even with such demanding protocols, Alessandro’s determination went far beyond the clinical requirements.
Meet Alessandro
Alessandro, one of our dedicated mobile health HCPs, bringing compassionate care directly to patients and families.
Alessandro has been a paediatric nurse since 2019, working primarily with neonates. Recently, he expanded his qualifications to care for adults as well. Since 2021, he has served as a mobile research HCP, bringing his expertise and compassion directly into patients’ homes.
His combination of specialist paediatric experience and dedication to research makes him an invaluable part of our mobile health team, and a shining example of the commitment our HCPs bring to every patient visit.
“I’m often the only clinical face these families see regularly. I provide trust and continuity in what can be a fragmented healthcare journey, offering emotional support during vulnerable moments and clinical expertise in the comfort of their home.”
Flooded Roads, Unshakable Care
Flooded roads in Florence, a powerful reminder of the obstacles our HCPs overcome to keep patients’ care on track.
On one journey, the Florence region was struck by severe flooding. Roads turned into rivers, making travel treacherous. Still, Alessandro pressed on to ensure the child’s care was not interrupted.
On another visit, he suffered not one, but two tyre punctures. The first puncture, he managed to repair. The second seemed impossible, with no garage nearby and no help available.
Ingenuity on the Road
Refusing to abandon the visit, Alessandro made an unconventional but ingenious choice. Spotting an abandoned car by the roadside, he removed a tyre, fitted it onto his own vehicle, and continued on to the family’s home.
He completed every element of the scheduled eight-hour visit, ensuring the child received their essential treatment and remained safely on track in the study.
Even a breakdown couldn’t stop Alessandro from reaching his patient and completing every element of the visit.
Why Mobile Health Matters
For families living with rare diseases, participating in clinical trials often means hope for the future. But it can also bring additional stress and logistical challenges. Mobile health services like this remove many of the barriers that would otherwise make participation impossible, particularly for patients with limited mobility or those living far from clinical trial sites.
“Families of children living with devastating rare diseases often face immense logistical, emotional, and financial challenges. Traveling to specialist trial sites can be impossible, whether due to the child’s fragile health, geographic isolation, caregiver responsibilities, or financial constraints. By bringing the trial to them, I help remove those barriers and make participation possible. Families are always grateful, and even after my work is done, we sometimes stay in touch. This is why I do what I do.”
Because of Alessandro’s commitment, the child and their caregivers experienced continuity of care in the comfort and safety of their own home, without disruption to the study.
Dedication with a Smile
Afterwards, he treated himself to a well-earned Florentine steak (a local delicacy) and shared a picture with our Clinical Manager.
A well-earned Florentine steak, Alessandro’s reward after a long, challenging journey to deliver patient-first care.
More Than Resilience
This story is about more than resilience. It is about clinical excellence, compassion, and the unwavering commitment of our healthcare professionals. Their dedication ensures that patients and families can participate in clinical trials safely, comfortably, and with dignity, regardless of the challenges.
At mdgroup, we are proud to work with a global network of extraordinary HCPs who embody our values of quality, ingenuity, agility, and human connection every day.
To Alessandro and all our remarkable HCPs: You are the heartbeat of patient-centred care. ❤️
Patient-First Care, Wherever It’s Needed
Mobile health is more than a service; it’s a promise. A promise that patients will never be left behind by distance, circumstance, or adversity.
Discover how our mobile health and decentralized clinical services can remove barriers and keep your patients engaged.
