4243 Developing clinical research units to improve quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness within an academic institution

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The Stanford CTSA Program has started to create Clinical Research Units (CRUs) with the goal to establish CRUs in all clinical departments by the end of 2020. CRUs will be responsible for managing the portfolio of projects proposed and conducted by faculty within departments. CRUs will be responsible for reviewing all clinical research studies. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: CRUs will be an integral part of the Stanford’s research infrastructure, tasked with 5 key functions to ensure clinical research conducted by Stanford investigators: scientific merit, feasibility, funding, compliance, progress. Each CRU will review all clinical research projects proposed by investigators within the department prior to moving forward with IRB review. Studies will be evaluated annually to ensure compliance with the protocol, applicable laws and regulations, and recruitment goals. The Stanford CTSA will provide guidelines, SOPs and personnel to assist CRUs. In fall 2019, a landscape analysis of SoM clinical departments was conducted to identify: 1)similar existing CRU-like systems,2)unique needs of departments/divisions for developing CRUs and3)barriers to implementation.