Brian S. McGowan, PhD, FACEHP

This episode of The Human Side of Clinical Trials, hosted by Brian S. McGowan, PhD, FACEHP, chief learning officer and co-founder of ArcheMedX, Inc., and Kelly Ritch, chief operating officer of ArcheMedX, Inc., explores why training completion metrics like attendance and quiz scores fail to capture true study readiness, and how measuring both competence and confidence can reveal trial risks before enrollment even begins.

This pilot episode of The Human Side of Clinical Trials introduces a framework from Brian S. McGowan, PhD, FACEHP, chief learning officer and co-founder of ArcheMedX, Inc., exploring why operational failures in clinical trials often trace back to gaps in human readiness rather than process design alone.

Experience sampling captures real-time signals of site burden and operational friction at the moment they occur, providing earlier and more actionable insight than retrospective assessments and revealing workarounds before they compound into protocol deviations.

Participant adherence depends on readiness—a combination of knowledge, calibrated confidence, and real-world mastery—not simply on digital tools, reminders, or education, which are forms of exposure rather than preparation for sustained performance.

Most protocol deviations start as human problems, not operational ones, but risk-based monitoring typically relies on lagging indicators that arrive too late to prevent these problems instead of measuring readiness during training, when intervention still matters.

By leveraging the Fresh Start Effect at site initiation and shifting from passive training to demonstrated readiness, sponsors and CROs can turn trial launch into a powerful multiplier for early performance, compliance, and execution quality.

Ways to identify false certainty, or "errogance," during the clinical site start-up-to-launch process—and better ensure site readiness and prevention of costly errors.

Overcoming the illusion of knowledge in clinical research can enhance decision-making, training, and project success—helping ensure trials run smoothly and effectively.

Why investing in truly effective training from the outset can pay off exponentially for clinical teams—and serve as a strategic advantage.

Tips and best practices for empowering professionals to become change agents in their institutions, including clinical trials.

Recommending two enlightening books to introduce the science of thinking, learning, and doing for clinical research professionals.

What learning science has taught us about the drivers and predictors of change—and applying those to clinical research practice.

Overcoming this bias—which affects everything from trial design to data collection—is a critical obligation of clinical research stakeholders.

By embracing this leadership approach, clinical research stakeholders can prioritize more effective staff training and readiness.

Four strategies for implementing this approach in clinical trial staff and site training.

Highlighting the inherent risks associated with subtle biases in clinical research practice, as well as the most proven strategy for mitigating each risk.

Sharing an entertaining dive into the origins, milestones, and future of behavioral economics—where lessons can be applied to clinical practice.

The concept of sludge provides an invaluable lens for clinical research professionals in identifying and mitigating unnecessary friction and bottlenecks.

Leveraging an essential, new set of behaviorally informed best practices to break free from the constraints of the Iron Triangle of Clinical Trial Complexity.

Embracing behavioral changes can lead clinical operations professionals toward driving meaningful outcomes.

How can we combat the sense of urgency our professional lives bring?

Applying elements from the Fogg Behavioral Model to ease trial complexity.

Use the five stages of change model to solve this common paradigm in clinical trials.

Researchers face various challenges that cause their clinical trials to fail to meet enrollment timelines, among other issues.