Among the complex undertakings in ophthalmology, successful execution of a clinical trial may require the most coordination of moving parts. Which sites are good fits for a study? Does the study site find the trial attractive? What aspects of a contract research organization (CRO) are key to successful execution? Questions abound—and honest answers can be scarce.
I sat down with three groups of players, all of whom are integral to the success of a clinical trial. The first group, clinical operations directors, lead from the industry side and are responsible for oversight of the process, from CRO selection to trial completion. The second group, study coordinators, are the heart and soul of a clinical trial. Efficiency depends on their ability to execute—and they’ve got plenty on their plate already. We often think of our third group, investigators, when we think of clinical trials. After all, they’re the people on the podiums. But what behind-the-scenes elements of trial selection do they weigh most when determining whether to dedicate resources to a study?
These conversations, edited for brevity and clarity, are mere glimpses into the minds of the professionals who enable clinical trials to succeed. For all stakeholders to function cohesively, more conversations like this will be needed.
— Namrata Saroj, OD Chief Scientific Lead, Clinical Trials Resource Group
