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A new article in Clinical Investigation highlights the learnings gleaned from monitoring several complex HIV clinical trials in Africa over a 15 year period. The article identifies and provides solutions for the challenges that emerge when designing and implementing clinical trials in a developing nation. The journal is published by Future Science Group.
"The challenges faced in clinical trial design and implementation - such as compliance, language barriers, accessibility of trial sites and costs - can be exaggerated in trials in developing nations," said Stella Bennett, editor of Clinical Investigation. "The lessons presented in this article can be usefully applied to fields such as neglected tropical disease, and in cases such as the recent Ebola crisis, insights into best-practice clinical trial collaborations are invaluable."
The MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London has coordinated HIV clinical trials in Africa for almost 15 years. The article authors review the new approaches to monitoring trial data that are now in use, using a combination of on-site and central (database) monitoring. Over time, the team designed tools and templates to supplement trial protocols and help standardize trial processes. They also developed a team of local monitors, who could supplement infrequent visits from the sponsor, and enable monitoring at the required intensity and allowing for capacity building.
"We have learned a lot from monitoring several complex HIV clinical trials in Africa, and hope that others will benefit by learning about our experiences," said Margaret J. Thomason, lead author and researcher at the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL. "We encourage more trial teams globally to publish their practical observations so that best practice can be improved upon."
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Clinical Investigation is dedicated to systematic coverage of the methodology, progress and outcomes of clinical trials. As a peer-reviewed, monthly publication, Clinical Investigation provides a forum for the rapid publication of original research and critically reviews the latest developments in medical research, from Phase 1 trials through to post-marketing studies and pharmacoeconomic research.
View the full article here - http://www.future-science.com/doi/full/10.4155/cli.15.18
About Future Science Group
Founded in 2001, Future Science Group (FSG) is a progressive publisher focused on breakthrough medical, biotechnological, and scientific research. FSG's portfolio includes two imprints, Future Science and Future Medicine. Both publish eBooks and journals. In addition to this core publishing business FSG develops specialist eCommunities. Key titles and sites includes Bioanalysis Zone, Epigenomics, Nanomedicine and the award-winning Regenerative Medicine.
The aim of FSG is to service the advancement of clinical practice and drug research by enhancing the efficiency of communications among clinicians, researchers and decision-makers, and by providing innovative solutions to their information needs. This is achieved through a customer-centric approach, use of new technologies, products that deliver value-for-money and uncompromisingly high standards. http://www.future-science-group.com
Journal
Clinical Investigation