Barriers and solutions to developing and maintaining research networks during a pandemic: An example from the iELEVATE perinatal network

Donna A Santillan; Debra S Brandt; Rachel Sinkey; Sheila Scheib; Susan Peterson; Rachel LeDuke; Lisa Dimperio; Cindy Cherek; Angela Varsho; Melissa Granza; Kim Logan; Stephen K Hunter; Boyd M Knosp; Heather A Davis; Joseph C Spring; Debra Piehl; Rani Makkapati; Thomas Doering; Stacy Harris; Lyndsey Day; Milton Eder; Patricia Winokur; Mark K Santillan

doi:10.1017/cts.2022.5

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Barriers and solutions to developing and maintaining research networks during a pandemic: An example from the iELEVATE perinatal network

Journal article

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Barriers and solutions to developing and maintaining research networks during a pandemic: An example from the iELEVATE perinatal network

Donna A Santillan, Debra S Brandt, Rachel Sinkey, Sheila Scheib, Susan Peterson, Rachel LeDuke, Lisa Dimperio, Cindy Cherek, Angela Varsho, Melissa Granza, …

Journal of clinical and translational science, Vol.6(1), e56

2022

DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.5

PMCID: PMC9161042

PMID: 35720965

Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access

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Abstract

To improve maternal health outcomes, increased diversity is needed among pregnant people in research studies and community surveillance. To expand the pool, we sought to develop a network encompassing academic and community obstetrics clinics. Typical challenges in developing a network include site identification, contracting, onboarding sites, staff engagement, participant recruitment, funding, and institutional review board approvals. While not insurmountable, these challenges became magnified as we built a research network during a global pandemic. Our objective is to describe the framework utilized to resolve pandemic-related issues. We developed a framework for site-specific adaptation of the generalized study protocol. Twice monthly video meetings were held between the lead academic sites to identify local challenges and to generate ideas for solutions. We identified site and participant recruitment challenges and then implemented solutions tailored to the local workflow. These solutions included the use of an electronic consent and videoconferences with local clinic leadership and staff. The processes for network development and maintenance changed to address issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, aspects of the sample processing/storage and data collection elements were held constant between sites. Adapting our consenting approach enabled maintaining study enrollment during the pandemic. The pandemic amplified issues related to contracting, onboarding, and IRB approval. Maintaining continuity in sample management and clinical data collection allowed for pooling of information between sites. Adaptability is key to maintaining network sites. Rapidly changing guidelines for beginning and continuing research during the pandemic required frequent intra- and inter-institutional communication to navigate.

COVID-19

Clinical research

research network

pandemic

sample collection

UIOWA OA Agreement

Details

Title: Subtitle: Barriers and solutions to developing and maintaining research networks during a pandemic: An example from the iELEVATE perinatal network
Creators: Donna A Santillan - University of Iowa, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Debra S Brandt - University of Iowa, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Rachel Sinkey - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
Sheila Scheib - OB-Gyn Associates, PC., Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Susan Peterson - West Des Moines OB/GYN Associates, West Des Moines, IA, USA
Rachel LeDuke - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, UAB Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
Lisa Dimperio - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, UAB Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
Cindy Cherek - Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, USA
Angela Varsho - Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, USA
Melissa Granza - Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, USA
Kim Logan - OB-Gyn Associates, PC., Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Stephen K Hunter - University of Iowa, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Boyd M Knosp - University of Iowa, Medicine Administration
Heather A Davis - Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Joseph C Spring - Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Debra Piehl - OB-Gyn Associates, PC., Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Rani Makkapati - West Des Moines OB/GYN Associates, West Des Moines, IA, USA
Thomas Doering - Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, USA
Stacy Harris - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, UAB Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
Lyndsey Day - The Group, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists, Davenport, IA, USA
Milton Eder - Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Patricia Winokur - University of Iowa, Infectious Diseases
Mark K Santillan - University of Iowa, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of clinical and translational science, Vol.6(1), e56
DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.5
PMID: 35720965
PMCID: PMC9161042
NLM abbreviation: J Clin Transl Sci
ISSN: 2059-8661
eISSN: 2059-8661
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Grant note: UL1 TR002537 / NCATS NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 2022
Academic Unit: Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Infectious Diseases; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Medicine Administration; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984318327202771

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