Clinical trial recruitment is a challenge commonly faced by many investigators. The ICTS helps research studies in attaining their recruitment goals through a variety of support services.

Center for Community Health Partnership and Research (CCHPR)

Can assist with developing key stakeholder and community engagement activities, from planning through dissemination of research.

mHealth Research Core (mHRC)

Helps to move from the idea phase to a funded grant, reduce barriers to successful implementation, and establish an open-source cumulative body of knowledge and expertise.

Recruitment Enhancement Core (REC)

Helps investigators meet/exceed study recruitment targets.

Trial-CARE

To improve public health and patient care by maximizing the impact of multi-center trials being conducted by WU investigators.

Trial Innovation Network and the ICTS

The ICTS supports broader, national recruitment collaborations through participation in the Trial Innovation Network (TIN). Funded by NCATS, the Trial Innovation Network (TIN), is a collaborative initiative within the CTSA Program and is composed of three key partners – the Trial Innovation Centers (TICs),   Recruitment Innovation Center (RIC), and CTSA Program Hubs. The vision for the Trial Innovation Network is to innovatively address critical roadblocks in clinical research and accelerate the translation of novel interventions into life-saving therapies.

Trial Innovation Centers

Trial Innovation Centers (TICs) focus on operational excellence, operational innovation, and quality by design. They are charged with coordinating and providing innovative, high quality operational support for Trial Innovation Network clinical trials.

The TICs are located at Duke University, Vanderbilt University, University of Utah, and Johns Hopkins University/Tufts Medical Center.

Recruitment Innovation Center

The Recruitment Innovation Center (RIC), located at Vanderbilt University, is an evidence-based center in innovative trial recruitment and retention methods, tools and strategies. The goal is to work with researchers to develop, test and share innovations in order to improve participant recruitment and retention and in doing so, improve health outcomes.

The RIC works in partnership with researchers/study teams to provide tailored support and advice. Investigators and study teams can either submit for initial consultations or specific RIC resources. During an initial consultation, the RIC will work with the study team and the relevant experts to troubleshoot, provide advice, guidance, and recommendations.

How to use the Trial Innovation Network

The Trial Innovation Network offers investigators the opportunity to request consultations and resources for multicenter clinical trials and studies. These are designed to help investigators, for example, develop proposals into protocols, enhance study operations, or improve recruitment and retention. Some consultations developed into clinical protocols may be implemented in the Network and within the CTSA Program.

Proposal process resources from the TIN:

A proposal must be submitted regardless of the type of support (TIC or RIC) you are requesting. For additional information, please visit the TIN website. You may also contact the CTSA point of contact at Washington University, Patty Nieters, RN, BSN at nietersp@wustl.edu.