Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Research Units (CRUs)

Maran Subramain; Jackline M Wangui-Verry; Kimberly J Sprenger; Alejandro P Comellas; Patrick B Barlow

doi:10.1017/cts.2021.836

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Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Research Units (CRUs)

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Research Units (CRUs)

Maran Subramain, Jackline M Wangui-Verry, Kimberly J Sprenger, Alejandro P Comellas and Patrick B Barlow

Journal of clinical and translational science, Vol.5(1), e167

01/01/2021

DOI: 10.1017/cts.2021.836

PMCID: PMC8503072

PMID: 34659802

Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access

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Abstract

Few studies have explored the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented for Clinical Research Units (CRUs), the solutions that have been implemented, and the changes that have been made in the operational guidelines for these entities. This study sought to identify and document common practices implemented by CRUs around the United States of America (USA) when addressing the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive study utilized a non-experimental mixed-methods approach and gathered data from representatives of 43 CRUs across the USA. An online survey was followed by in-depth interviews. The findings show that challenges faced from the COVID-19 pandemic, changes made to daily operations, and lessons learned are very similar across CRUs. Although most CRUs never stopped performing essential clinical research, many adapted to the pandemic by engaging in virtual visits, and many played key roles in administering and supporting both COVID-19 therapeutic and vaccine trials. Follow-up interviews showed that processes for formal approval and reopening were similar across CRUs. In addition to highlighting the significance of the role played by CRUs during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study addresses the relevance of CRUs and lays the groundwork for future conversations on the importance of these units.

Clinical Trials

Polls & Surveys

Coronaviruses

COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines

Data collection

Interviews

Medical research

Pandemics

Population

Research centers

UIOWA OA Agreement

Details

Title: Subtitle: Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Research Units (CRUs)
Creators: Maran Subramain - University of Iowa
Jackline M Wangui-Verry - University of Iowa
Kimberly J Sprenger - University of Iowa
Alejandro P Comellas - University of Iowa
Patrick B Barlow - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of clinical and translational science, Vol.5(1), e167
DOI: 10.1017/cts.2021.836
PMID: 34659802
PMCID: PMC8503072
NLM abbreviation: J Clin Transl Sci
ISSN: 2059-8661
eISSN: 2059-8661
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Date published: 01/01/2021
Academic Unit: Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine; ICTS; Center for Social Science Innovation; Institute for Clinical and Translational Science; Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education; General Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984230637402771

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