- What services do the CRSO provide for researchers?
We can assist you in all aspects of your study, from start-up, regulatory, study and data management and study close-out. We are qualified and trained to work on IND/IDE trials, interventional or observational studies.
- How do I request CRC support through CRConnect?
Submit the Intake Form online (<<insert link to Form>>. A member of the CRConnect team will follow up within 2–3 business days to schedule a design/planning meeting and finalize next steps.
- When should I engage CRConnect?
As early as possible. Early engagement allows us to align resources and ensure a smooth launch.
- How is the cost of CRC support determined?
CRC support is billed based on study complexity, duration, and level of effort.
- My study must be run out of a CTRC; can CRConnect support the trial.
Yes, we work closely with CTRC’s and are able to compliment and conduct research visits, along with the CTRC.
- What are some of the challenges faced by investigators conducting clinical trials?
Nationally, the clinical trials enterprise faces substantial challenges, in part, due to the following:
• Increased complexity in research study design
• Regulatory complexity
• Inadequate funding mechanisms
• Globalization and outsourcing of trials to areas with lower research costs
• Lack of prestige allocated within the medical school setting to the conduct of clinical trials
• Delays and logistical problems associated with a fragmented clinical trials infrastructure and healthcare systemOverall, clinical trials and regulatory landscapes are ever evolving. The CRSO and CRConnect are here to help investigators navigate the rapidly changing clinical trial environment.
- Can the CRSO support trials conducted at UPMC, or Pitt only?
The CRSO and CRConnect can support trials conducted at Pitt or a UPMC facility. We can work within UPMC required systems and Pitt required systems seamlessly. We can communicate with the Pitt Office of Sponsored Programs or the UPMC SCTP.
- We are a coordinating and participating center, can the CRSO support this?
Yes, the CRSO and CRConnect can support your trial both from a coordinating center and a participating center. We are trained in managing regulatory, and other coordinating center activities.
- I have a study coordinator who will be on leave for 3 months; can CRConnect support my trial?
Yes, we can support the study while the coordinator is on leave.
- I have a small study that only requires a small number of coordinator hours; can CRConnect support this?
Yes, CRConnect is designed to be able to support many different trials at once, even if only needed a few hours per week. CRConnect coordinators are assigned to different studies based on the complexity and the length of time needed on the study, thus allowing them to take on more than one project at a time.
- Can CRConnect support multiple studies at once?
Yes. CRConnect is designed to support studies of varying size and complexity simultaneously, with coordinators assigned based on effort and expertise.