Centralized clinical research operations reporting for a multi-network, multi-study research program: The NHLBI...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Clinical Research Informatics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid, large-scale clinical research.
• Coordinating multiple clinical research networks presented significant operational challenges.
• A centralized, transparent reporting system was crucial for effective collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a centralized reporting system for the CONNECTS program.
• To evaluate the system's effectiveness in supporting concurrent clinical studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To present the system as a model for future large-scale public health research coordination.

Main Methods:

• Development of a web-based infrastructure by the Administrative Coordinating Center (ACC).
• Implementation of a single-platform approach for communication and operational oversight.
• Data acquisition, harmonization, and portal reporting tailored to network-of-networks needs.

Main Results:

• The system provided robust oversight of key operational topics like enrollment, retention, and financial tracking.
• The platform successfully supported three years of early COVID-19 research.
• The system was well-received, adaptable, and facilitated timely operations.

Conclusions:

• The CONNECTS central reporting system demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness in managing large-scale public health research.
• The developed methods offer a transferable model for coordinating multi-network research efforts.
• Innovative operational reporting is vital for agile responses to public health emergencies.