Implementation and Evaluation of a Clinical Trial Communication Tool for Frontline Clinical Staff

The safe care of individuals enrolled in clinical trials requires careful communication and coordination between research and clinical staff. An interprofessional team developed a process improvement plan to design, implement, and evaluate a communication tool for frontline nurses at the institution. The Research Protocol Fact Sheet was created to standardize information and clinical management requirements for each clinical trial. Integration of the tool into the electronic health record and dedicated oversight by a clinical research nurse led to enhanced access, increased use, and higher nursing satisfaction postimplementation.

AT A GLANCE

• Ensuring the safe and protocol-concordant care of individuals in clinical trials requires collaboration and communication between research and clinical staff.
• The Research Protocol Fact Sheet standardizes communication of protocol-specific information to clinical nurses caring for trial participants.
• Electronic health record integration can support access and increase the use of clinical trial information and communication across diverse practice settings.