News

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The interest in exploiting the Internet and its associated technologies to revolutionize the conduct of clinical trials continues to be discussed at length in journals and at conferences.1-4 Although increasing numbers of clinical trials are being commissioned and performed as e-studies, the general take-up is still low when compared with traditional methods. Estimates suggest that approximately 5-10% of all clinical trial data are collected and managed currently as e-trials.5

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Six years ago, our department of a large academic research center was having difficulty enrolling enough subjects in osteoporosis studies. We wanted to expand into a variety of trials and increase the number of participants. Despite our experience and expertise, our enrollments were down. We wondered if the pool of eligible participants was shrinking, if our competition was doing a better job than we were, or if we needed to modify our project management style.

Lessons learned?and shared?by a recruiter can help you to get your message to potential subjects successfully and direct your path through a major roadblock to the speedy completion of trials.

2003 Editorial and Rates

For 2003, as always, each issue of Applied Clinical Trials will contain peer-reviewed articles on aspects of managing GCP-compliant clinical research. In addition, each issue will include articles on a theme of special interest.

Academic, certificate, and distance learning programs are available through colleges and universities. Other commercial and professional organizations offer conferences, on-site and customized training, short courses, workshops, and self-study aids.

Subject Recruitment

The consumer press has its spotlight on clinical research again, and some commentators are focusing on subject recruitment.

With 2003 fast approaching, all we know for sure about the EU?s legislative changes is that nothing is final yet.

DHHS, FDA, NIH Locator

A former White House advisor on health policy, Mark McClellan, is FDA's new commissioner.

Informed Consent Process

The results of a Web-based survey of some subjects in recent clinical trials suggest ways to improve the consent process.

Building a Home Network

Paul Bleicher examines the pros and cons of broadband Internet technology and explains how to build a home network and make it secure.

Bert Spilker

Bert Spilker has been involved in clinical trials for 30 years. He?s written books, founded companies, and helped steer regulatory agencies. Now he wants to change how drugs are developed.

Some companies prefer live training for PIs; some are moving toward virtual training. Two Lilly authors advocate a combination of the two methods.

Careful attention to geography can help sites enlarge their catchment areas and increase subject accrual rates without negative consequences.