The Activation Lab

Measuring Clinical Research Readiness (Patients and HCPs)

In this episode, Sarah McKeown-Cannon and Sydney Zeve unpack the science behind readiness and what it really takes for both patients and physicians to say “yes” to clinical research. They introduce Heartbeat’s ART Score, a behavioral model that measures Activation, Readiness, and Trust across the patient and physician journey. From patient literacy and motivation to site referral dynamics, they explore how readiness can predict trial success long before the first enrollment. If you’ve ever wondered why finding patients isn’t the same as activating them—or how to turn physician awareness into true referral advocacy—this conversation breaks it down.

Hearts of Sunset Park as a Community Engagement Case Study

What happens when clinical research stops being transactional and starts becoming part of the neighborhood? In this episode, we go on the ground in Sunset Park, Brooklyn—Heartbeat’s first pilot location of the Hearts Of project. Skylar is joined by Sasha Sakay, Senior Strategy Manager at Heartbeat, to explore what it really takes to build trust at the community level, why showing up consistently matters, and how early activation can change the future of trial participation. You’ll hear real examples of how we translate community conversations into tangible value—like localized health resource maps and culturally relevant produce guides. Head to www.weareheartbeat.com/clinical-research and fill out the contact form, and mention HEARTSOF if you are interested in finding out how you and your teams can get involved.

Who Do You Trust? Live Conversations in the Park

In this special on-the-ground episode of The Activation Lab, we head to Washington Square Park with one question: When it comes to your health, who do you trust? What follows is a series of candid conversations with everyday people—sharing what shapes their decisions, what makes them skeptical, and what it would take for them to ever consider joining a clinical trial. Skylar Moore reflects on what these moments reveal about the true foundation of patient activation—and why trust, representation, and timing matter more than we think. To learn more about our work in patient activation and community engagement, visit www.weareheartbeat.com/clinical-research [https://heartbeatclinicalresearch.com]

Fixing the Wrong Fire: Talking Rescue with Brett DiSanto

Everyone in clinical research knows the scramble: enrollment stalls, pressure builds, and suddenly a study is in “rescue.” But what if the real issues start long before that moment? In this episode of The Activation Lab, Skylar Moore sits down with Brett DiSanto, Account Director at Heartbeat Clinical Research, to unpack the truths no one says out loud about rescue studies. From upstream missteps to sponsor panic, they break down what actually derails trials, and how activation can turn things around. You’ll hear how behavioral friction, unrealistic timelines, and outdated recruitment playbooks often mask the real problem: a failure to activate. And why the most effective rescue strategies don’t start with more ads—they start with understanding people. Whether you’re mid-rescue or trying to avoid one, this episode offers a fresh, actionable lens for rethinking trial success. Want help diagnosing the root cause of your enrollment issues? Visit www.weareheartbeat.com/clinical-research [http://www.weareheartbeat.com/clinical-research] and use code ACTIVATE RESCUE in your contact form to get a free activation rescue audit—a fast, no-risk way to uncover what’s really blocking progress.

Why Patient Recruitment is Over: LIVE at Patients as Partners 2025 with Sarah Mckeown-Cannon

In this special episode recorded live from the Patients as Partners stage in Boston, Sarah McKeown-Cannon—SVP and Head of Heartbeat Clinical Research—challenges everything you thought you knew about patient recruitment. Sarah unpacks the true meaning of patient activation, explores the psychology of motivation and behavioral triggers, and makes a bold case for why it’s time to retire traditional recruitment models altogether. She also shares case examples on community engagement, trust, and what it takes to build lasting relationships beyond the protocol. If you're ready to think differently about how we connect with patients, this one’s not to be missed.