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Carle positions itself for success in research, and it's paying off

Carle positions itself for success in research, and it's paying off

It’s an exciting time for research at Carle. Carle worked hard to build a culture of research, dedicating significant resources to streamline internal workflows to achieve faster study approval – and it’s working.

“A lot of attention and energy and resources have been devoted, and this is an example of the result of all that energy. Things are happening at a way different pace,” Benjamin Rhee, MD, said.

Just ask clinical research supervisor Carly Skadden, who within a tight 12-week deadline, produced all required protocols, consent forms, contracts and budgets for a recent trial application.

She and the Stephen’s Family Clinical Research Institute completed the approval process in record time – an astounding 58 days.

While Skadden deserves praise for securing this electrophysiology (EP) clinical trial, she quickly gives credit to other departments.

A dedicated regulatory team made sure consent forms listed the accurate requirements of the study. A research-focused awards negotiating team provided immediate support for contracting and budgeting. The efforts of an exclusive financial team provided timely Medicare coverage analysis. This ensured each test included in the study would be covered within the Medicare guidelines and protected participants from financial surprises.

The pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

In February, Carle became the first site in the United States to be activated and ready to enroll participants into the atrial fibrillation clinical trial. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat that affects 2.7 million people in the U.S. This trial will provide important information on treatment options for AFib that may ultimately affect what kinds of care patients receive.

“This study is important because it builds our national reputation within the research community,” Dr. Rhee said. “It shows that we have the ability to participate in larger and more meaningful trials and are able to join the conversation with the larger scientific community.”

Dr. Rhee applauds the cultural shifts.

“For several years, we’ve had a stop-and-go approach to research. We would focus on it, and then other things would take prioritu. During the process, enthusiasm would stall,” he said.

With that no longer the case, his message to fellow researchers: “Now is not the time to hold back. Now is the time to jump in.”

For more information about this trial and how Carle is changing lives through research, visit the Find a Clinical Trial Search.

Categories: Culture of Quality

Tags: Carle, innovation, AFib, research, culture, Rhee, heart and vascular