Improving site selection in clinical studies: a standardised, objective, multistep method and first experience results.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

A considerable number of clinical studies experience delays, which result in increased duration and costs. In multicentre studies, patient recruitment is among the leading causes of delays. Poor site selection can result in low recruitment and bad data quality. Site selection is therefore crucial for study quality and completion, but currently no specific guidelines are available.

Material and methods

Selection of sites adequate to participate in a prospective multicentre cohort study was performed through an open call using a newly developed objective multistep approach. The method is based on use of a network, definition of objective criteria and a systematic screening process.

Illustrative example of the method at work

Out of 266 interested sites, 24 w

SUBMITTER: Hurtado-Chong A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5734283 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature