Identifying Trial Sites Overview
We’re working on this section. For now, have a look at:
- Formally assess all sites for suitability for the trial. You could use a checklist, such as that suggested by Warden and colleagues. Sites that do not meet the requirements listed on the checklist should be reviewed to determine whether measures could be put in place by the trial team to support the site in meeting the checklist criteria. If not, the site should not be considered for the trial.
- There’s a 2013 overview of factors influencing clinical trial site selection in Europe in BMJ Open.
Top 5 Identifying Trial Sites Tips
01.
Identify more sites than you think you need based on pre-trial assumptions as an insurance policy against those assumptions proving incorrect. The number of extra sites will depend on how confident you are about your pre-trial assumptions.
02.
Formally assess all sites for suitability for the trial. You could use a checklist, such as that suggested by Warden and colleagues. Sites that do not meet the requirements listed on the checklist should be reviewed to determine whether measures could be put in place by the trial team to support the site in meeting the checklist criteria. If not, the site should not be considered for the trial.
03.
More to come: keep checking the site…
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More to come: keep checking the site…
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More to come: keep checking the site…
More About Identifying Trial Sites
Often an underestimated task, site identification and selection are among the most significant factors for the completion of a successful clinical trial. When identifying potential trial sites consideration must be given to basic trial needs such as the availability of specialised diagnostic or therapeutic equipment where necessary. Geographic location and regulatory history should also be taken into account in the same manner as contractual and budgetary restrictions. More subjective factors to consider may include a site’s track record with previous trials that are in a similar research field or research similar work, and the anticipated rate of participant recruitment.Site staff are important in the effective running of a trial, so evaluating their motivations and interest in your trial may be a useful factor to bear in mind.
Selecting the ‘wrong’ site may impede trial progress and result in delays and unplanned costs. It is also important to consider the groups of people your trial needs and place trial sites as close to where these people live as possible. This can help improve trial diversity and inclusion by making the trial more accessible to people from different ethnic groups or socioeconomic backgrounds.
We have also developed a tool called ESP, which might help site selection choices. It does need more evaluation but you might find it useful.
