A Site Point Of View Into Study Start-Up

By Kristin Surdam, Sr. Director, KOL & Strategy, Florence Healthcare

Effective management of study start-up times is crucial for site success, impacting operations, financial outcomes, and, most importantly, patient access to transformative therapies. Prolonged start-up durations hinder site functionality, eroding the bottom line and delaying critical treatments. The escalating complexity of contemporary clinical trials introduces challenges during this pivotal phase, exacerbating the difficulty of meeting sponsor-set timelines. Despite mounting pressures, sponsors and CROs urge sites to accomplish more with fewer resources, intensifying the struggle to improve time-to-open metrics.

To navigate these challenges, sites must seize control over controllable factors. First, an intricate understanding of start-up tasks and resource allocation at a granular level is essential. Leveraging technology becomes paramount, transforming it into an ally for efficiency. Communication also plays a pivotal role; early and frequent engagement ensures smoother processes. Protecting workflows from disruptions is equally crucial, safeguarding progress amid challenges. Finally, escalating concerns when necessary empowers sites to address issues promptly.

By actively managing these controllable elements, learn how sites can enhance their ability to meet start-up timelines, positively impacting both operational efficiency and patient outcomes.