Clinical Researcher—June 2025 (Volume 39, Issue 3)

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Christina M. Brennan, MD, MBA, FACRP, 2025 Chair of the Association Board of Trustees

 

 

Clinical research is a resource-intensive endeavor. From highly trained personnel and specialized equipment to complex regulatory requirements and participant recruitment challenges, the costs can quickly escalate. In today’s increasingly competitive landscape, maximizing existing resources is not just a good practice; it’s a necessity. A leaner, more efficient approach to clinical research allows for greater productivity, faster timelines, and ultimately, more impactful discoveries.

Strategic Planning and Prioritization

Before initiating any new studies, a comprehensive strategic plan is paramount. This plan should clearly define the research question, the target population, and the chosen methodology. A well-defined plan ensures that resources are allocated to activities directly aligned with the study objectives. Prioritizing studies with the highest potential impact and feasibility is also crucial. A portfolio approach allows for diversification while focusing resources on the most promising endeavors.

It’s crucial to regularly evaluate your research portfolio and close underperforming studies. Inactive studies that haven’t enrolled participants drain resources by requiring ongoing maintenance of regulatory documents, screening logs, and other administrative tasks. Establish a clear timeline for how long a study will remain open before closure and collaborate with the principal investigator to set realistic enrollment goals and make timely decisions about the study’s future. This proactive approach frees up resources for more promising research endeavors.

Leveraging Technology

Technology offers a wealth of opportunities to optimize resource utilization. Electronic data capture systems eliminate paper-based processes, reduce data entry errors, and facilitate real-time data access for monitoring and analysis. Remote monitoring tools, including wearable sensors and telehealth platforms, minimize the need for in-person visits, saving time and resources for both researchers and participants. Furthermore, utilizing advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms can identify patterns and insights within data, potentially accelerating the research process.

Collaboration and Resource Sharing

Collaboration is key to maximizing resources in clinical research. Partnering with other institutions, academic centers, or industry sponsors can provide access to expertise, infrastructure, and funding that may not be available internally. Sharing resources, such as specialized equipment or patient recruitment networks, can significantly reduce costs and accelerate timelines. Networking and building relationships within the research community are essential for fostering these collaborative opportunities.

Investing in Staff Training and Development

A highly skilled and well-trained workforce is a critical asset in clinical research. Investing in ongoing training and professional development for research personnel ensures that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices. This reduces errors, improves data quality, and enhances overall efficiency. Don’t reinvent the wheel for training when you can partner with organizations like ACRP that have training programs in place. Cross-training staff members allows for greater flexibility and coverage, optimizing workforce utilization.

Continuous Monitoring and Process Improvement

Regularly monitoring key performance indicators allows for identification of areas for improvement and optimization. Implementing process improvement methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma, can streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency. Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement ensures that the research program is constantly adapting and evolving to maximize resource utilization.

By embracing these strategies, clinical research programs can operate more efficiently and effectively, maximizing the impact of limited resources.

**ACRP**