Insights from the trial innovation network's initial consultation process

Area of Science:

• Clinical and Translational Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Multicenter clinical trials face challenges in design, coordination, recruitment, and compliance.
• The National Institutes of Health's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences established the Trial Innovation Network (TIN) to address these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Trial Innovation Network's scientific consultation process.
• To evaluate the impact of TIN consultations on multicenter clinical trial quality and efficiency.
• To share lessons learned for other trial support networks.

Main Methods:

• The TIN provides a scientific consultation process with experts at no cost to investigators.
• The Initial Consultation process assesses study premise, design, site development, recruitment, and funding.
• The TIN leverages resources from the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program.

Main Results:

• As of June 1, 2024, the TIN has provided 431 Initial Consultations.
• The TIN has developed standardized, streamlined, and adaptable processes for multicenter trials.
• TIN consultations aim to increase efficiency and accelerate trial implementation through tailored recommendations.

Conclusions:

• The Trial Innovation Network enhances multicenter trial quality and efficiency through expert consultation and resource leveraging.
• Standardized and adaptable processes developed by the TIN can benefit other trial support networks.
• The TIN's approach fosters interdisciplinary teamwork and spurs innovation in clinical trial conduct.