Conducting clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic—a collaborative trial network response

• Published in: Current controlled trials in cardiovascular medicine Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 278 - 9
• Main Authors: Robison, Laura, Cho, Yeoungjee, Viecelli, Andrea K., Johnson, David W., Hawley, Carmel M., Valks, Andrea, Paul-Brent, Peta-Anne, Stastny, Ruth, Varghese, Julie, Kiriwandeniya, Charani, Pascoe, Elaine M., Vergara, Liza A., Fahim, Magid A., Boudville, Neil, Krishnasamy, Rathika, Reidlinger, Donna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 14.04.2021; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Australasia; Australia; Clinical medicine; Clinical trials; Clinical Trials as Topic; Collaboration; Communication; Control; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Data collection; Decision making; Design; Epidemics; Humans; Immune system; Influence; Informed consent; Kidney diseases; Medical research; Methods; Missing data; Pandemics; Patient safety; Research ethics; Research Personnel; Australasia; Australia
• ISSN: 1745-6215; 1745-6215
• DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05200-0

The unprecedented demand placed on healthcare systems from the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a reassessment of clinical trial conduct and feasibility. Consequently, the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN), an established collaborative research group known for conducting investigator-initiated global clinical trials, had to efficiently respond and adapt to the changing landscape during COVID-19. Key priorities included ensuring patient and staff safety, trial integrity and network sustainability for the kidney care community. New resources have been developed to enable a structured review and contingency plan of trial activities during the pandemic and beyond.