115 commercial studies were adopted to the NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio from October 2010 to December 2010, the highest total since quarterly reports began in 2008*. The figure represents a 125% increase on the same period during 2009-2010 and reflects the progress being made by the Network to engage with the clinical research community.
This upturn is being driven by two central factors: more Chief Investigators insist studies go through the Network and more people within the Life-sciences Industry are aware of the Network services they can access. These services include a broad range of investigators and research sites throughout England, standard templates to speed-up costing and contract negotiations and study feasibility advice from key opinion leaders. At site level, the Network also provides resources to support the delivery of studies and a link between the sponsor and R&D staff that improves communication and aids problem solving.
Lucy Pollock, Marketing Manager - Clinical Studies for Medtronic, not only uses the Network for study support but because of the impact this has on research infrastructure:
“The Clinical Research Network ensures your study receives appropriate resources, but it also promotes a positive cycle of research. This means the funding we feed into the NHS is channelled back into research and helps strengthen research capacity.
“The Network badge also allows us to differentiate between studies which engage in the scientific advancement of technology for the benefit of patients and the wider NHS and those designed to provide ongoing surveillance of established technology within the NHS.”
Find out more about how the specialist Clinical Research Network industry team can help support your study.
*Statistics taken from the NIHR Clinical Research Network 2010-2011 Quarter 3 Industry Metrics Report.
