Improving Clinical Trials
Summary
Clinical trials are critical to discovering new treatments and improving health outcomes. However, navigating the world of clinical trials can be overwhelming. We aim to understand these challenges. We are dedicated to making clinical trials more patient-centred.
Timeline
-
I met Dr. Caroline Hamm at the Canadian Gastric Cancer Conference in 2022 when I heard her present her innovative work with clinical trial navigation. Since this time, I have been collaborating with her on the research aspects of the program.
-
When I started my first faculty position at the University of Manitoba, I wanted to start clinical trials within the Section of General Surgery. To gain familiarity with this process, I started by being a site principal investigator for the IMPACTS CLEAN Wound Trial.
-
As I became familiar with how to launch clinical trials at the University of Manitoba, I worked to develop local infrastructure for other faculty members to be able to be site principal investigators as well. I supported one of my colleagues in launching the PAIN-Alt Trial through this process.
Active Projects
-
Canadian National Delphi Study on Clinical Trial Navigation
Finding the right clinical trial can be challenging, and experts have different ideas on how to improve the process. To identify the best solutions, we are conducting a Delphi Study—a structured method for gathering expert opinions and reaching consensus. Through multiple rounds of anonymous surveys, experts refine their responses based on group feedback until a clear agreement emerges. This approach helps us develop better strategies to guide patients to the right clinical trials, making enrollment easier and more effective.
-
Stakeholder Interviews on Clinical Trial Navigation
The present study assesses perceived barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the CTN Program among people with lived experience and healthcare professionals in a standardized manner to define effective solutions and practical recommendations to promote national uptake.
-
CLEAN Wound Trial
Coming soon
-
PAIN-Alt Trial
Coming soon
Completed Projects
-
Navigator-Assisted Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment: A Cross-Sectional Study
The Clinical Trial Navigator (CTN) Program helps people with cancer, their families, and care teams find relevant clinical trials. From March 2019 to July 2024, 445 applicants entered the program by completing a REDCap® survey with key medical details. Each applicant received a curated list of potential trials; 88% received at least one match. Among the 262 patients who had referral and enrollment data, 27.5% were referred to a clinical trial, and of those, 18.1% ultimately enrolled. The program continues to expand across Canada, evaluate patient experiences, and study what impacts trial referral and enrollment.