At CTTI, we are continuously looking for practices that will increase the quality and efficiency of clinical trials. In 2014, three new topics have been added to our portfolio:

1. Conducting Trials Using Data Registries: Demographic, disease, and outcome data collected in clinical observational registries often overlap with data gathered for clinical trials. Integrating clinical trials within observational data registries may offer opportunities to avoid duplicative data collection and increase efficiency while decreasing clinical trial costs. Objectives for this project include identifying upfront costs and operational adjustments required to utilize a data registry for a clinical trial, as well as recommending best practices for conducting randomized registry trials.
2. Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs): As the use of DMCs has increased and evolved over the past 40 years, critical issues have emerged. A few of these issues include differences in DMC roles and responsibilities, which contributes to confusion and unclear expectations, as well as a lack of a clear plan for preparing the next generation of DMC members. Objectives for this project include understanding the current landscape of DMC use and conduct, clarifying the purpose of and rationale for using a DMC, and describing effective communication practices between independent DMCs and other trial stakeholders.
3. Investigator Turnover: While an enormous amount of time and resources are spent initiating new investigators into the clinical trial process, there continues to be a high turnover rate for investigators. As many as 40% of investigators annually choose not to participate in another FDA-regulated trial. This high rate of attrition impacts site and overall trial performance. Objectives for this project include obtaining a more thorough understanding of the factors that influence investigators’ decisions to leave the clinical research practice, as well as defining the impact of investigator turnover on industry and society.