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The clinical network: a different approach
Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
In the past, clinical networks were large groups of independent research sites with primarily decentralized structures and complicated processes that shunted most responsibilities to the individual sites. The central network staff was often looked upon as a “middle man” slowing up the clinical processes and adding more costs. Because of poor operating procedures, which were often labor-intensive and inconsistently enforced, networks found it difficult to keep the clinical sites functioning as one entity. With abundant funding and trials, the individual sites were afforded many opportunities to work directly with sponsors outside the clinical network. But the clinical network model has begun a transformation to a more centralized approach with e-Clinical processes. The shift has been driven by recent market changes; demands for better access to more cutting-edge therapies at lower costs; shrinking research and development budgets; increasing regulatory requirements leading to larger, longer trials; and the impact of an aging population.
| Commun Oncol 2006;3:709–712 | full text |  84 kb |