From Thinking to Learning to Doing: Human Factors Optimizing Clinical Operations

Clinical research depends on people—how they think, learn, and act. Yet despite years of innovation and investment, many clinical trials still stumble for human reasons: inconsistent site performance, training gaps, and protocol deviations that delay results and erode confidence. The path to improvement begins not with more technology or oversight, but with a deeper understanding of the science of human performance.

This session explores the journey from thinking to learning to doing—and how embracing cognitive, learning, and behavioral science can fundamentally reshape clinical operations.

We start with how we think. Cognitive biases and mindsets influence every step of clinical work, from interpreting protocols to engaging participants. Understanding how fast and slow thinking guide decisions helps teams anticipate errors before they occur.

Next, we examine how we learn. Decades of research show that people often prefer learning methods that feel efficient but aren’t effective. Concepts like spaced repetition, desirable difficulties, and interleaved practice reveal how to build true readiness—long-term retention and confident application under pressure.

Finally, we turn to how we do. Behavioral science provides powerful models for performance: motivation, ability, and environmental nudges determine whether new knowledge translates into consistent action. By applying these insights, clinical operations can move from compliance-driven training to performance-driven outcomes.

When cognitive, learning, and behavioral science converge, clinical teams don’t just complete training—they change behavior. They become more adaptable, accurate, and ready to deliver. This session, developed by Brian S. McGowan, PhD, co-founder and chief learning officer at ArcheMedX, brings forward pioneering evidence and best practices to help research leaders reimagine site readiness and accelerate the path from learning to doing.