Collaborative research brings together teams and expertise from different organisations and sites. It can enhance both study design and outcomes. Multi-site studies can help achieve adequate sample sizes within a reasonable timeframe. However research across multiple sites may increase the complexity of research management.
There are several advantages of a multi-site approach:
- Larger sample sizes for studies can be reached
- The data collected from multiple sites means that research results are more likely to be applicable in multiple settings
- Researchers in smaller centres gain confidence and experience in conducting research and are likely to be encouraged to participate in the future, thereby improving the overall research.
All trials must carry out basic management activities in order to meet the meet national and internal regulatory requirements.
However, multi-site research often requires more sophisticated governance and communication structures. There will also be the need for clarity regarding timelines, the respective responsibilities of different individuals and groups, financial accountabilities and standards for data collection, management and analysis. Issues around intellectual property and publication may also need to be considered.
Sites that are funded but fail to contribute to the study can have a net detriment to the overall study. Agreements, performance monitoring and standard operating procedures can be very important in this circumstance.
The Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative (PaCCSC) is one example of a large multi-site clinical research program.
This page was created on 25 March 2008 and is due for review in March 2010
Last updated 26 May 2008