Clinical Researcher

The people collecting and handling clinical data report that the tools and processes currently used in clinical trials are slowing them down. In fact, new industry research shows it might be interfering with the quality of data. Two-thirds of data managers and clinical research associates think data quality in clinical trials is at risk if the inefficiencies in execution persist. This highlights a known challenge in the industry—there are too many manual steps and disconnected technologies that don’t work together to conduct tasks.

As ACRP gets ready to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2026, we are ready to help ensure that our members are prepared for what's next in clinical research. We are shaping your expertise into an education-packed conference and ensuring that our training is accurate, relevant, and career-building. We have the tools we need as we continue to do our important work to support you. I know that you, the members of our amazing ACRP clinical research community, will continue, in turn, to support each other.

A gathering of insights and introspections on hot topics in the clinical research enterprise edited by Gary W. Cramer, Managing Editor for ACRP, with contributions from Muhammad Waseem, MBBS, MS, FAAP, FACEP, FAHA, FSSH, CPI, FACRP; Joy Jurnack, RN, CCRC, FACRP; Olutola O. Adetona, MD, MPH, CPI; and a sampling of industry leaders.

This study surveyed primary/urgent care providers (PCPs) to identify facilitators and barriers to their support of clinical trial referrals. The findings suggest that increasing provider awareness, streamlining referral processes, and fostering a culture incorporating clinical research into routine patient care could enhance PCP support for clinical trials. Addressing these barriers is critical to improving recruitment efforts and advancing medical research.

Clinical trials have become more complex, due to myriad factors including rising protocol demands, the adoption of decentralized models, and the integration of artificial intelligence. While these innovations promise greater personalization and operational efficiency, they also introduce new layers of logistical and regulatory complexity. Sponsors and CROs should collaborate to design site-centric processes that reduce operational burden, streamline communication, and allow research teams to focus more on patient care and data quality.