ISMMS Investigators
What
Prior to agreeing to conduct a clinical trial, it is recommended that study teams conduct a feasibility assessment to evaluate if they have adequate resources (personnel, equipment, infrastructure, ancillary support, time commitment, patient population, etc.) as well as interest to successfully complete the study.
How
Use the questions on this Protocol Feasibility Checklist along with the resources listed under Ancillary Departments and Institutes as a guide to assist in assessing whether MSHS resources or patient populations exist to conduct your potential study.
Sponsor – Site Feasibility Questionnaire
What
CRO’s or sponsors send out site feasibility questionnaires to potential sites as a means to assess whether the site will be a suitable candidate to participate in the study.
Typical feasibility questions include:
- Qualifications and Experience of the Investigator
- Investigator Success Recruiting for Other Studies
- IRB and Timelines
- Contracting and Budgeting Timelines
- Site Resources and Logistics
- Equipment, Space, IT
- Personnel (Sub-investigator, study nurse, coordinator, regulatory staff)
- Patient Population
- Eligible Patient Population
- Competing Studies
How
It is recommended that study teams consult with the appropriate ancillary departments and institutes, as well as collaborating investigators, when completing site feasibility questionnaires. Refer to the Find Your Patient Population tool under Resources.
Ancillary Departments, Institutes and CoREs
Biorepository and Pathology CoRE
The Biorepository and Pathology CoRE provide services to support clinical and basic research including:
- Histology, Special Stains and Tissue Microarray Generation
- Immunohistochemical and Immunoflourescent Staining
- Laser Capture Microdissection
- Whole Slide Scanning and Image Analysis
- Molecular DNA/RNA Extraction
- Biorepository – Tissue/body fluid procurement, storage and tracking
Investigators who plan to utilize the Biorepository and Pathology CoRE for their clinical studies are encouraged to contact Rachel Brody, MD, PhD, Director, Institutional Biorepository, to discuss the intended study and research fees.
Cardiology
Research studies requiring cardiology services or collaboration with a cardiologist should contact Debra Fitzpatrick in the Cardiovascular Institute to discuss the intended study and research fees.
Clinical Research Unit (CRU)
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) provides infrastructure to perform clinical and translational research studies including:
- Outpatient Space
- Nursing Support
- Specimen Processing
- Walk-in Phlebotomy
Investigators who plan to utilize CRU services are encouraged to contact the CRU early on to discuss the CRU support that may be required for the protocol.
In-Patient Nursing Services
Investigational Drug Services (IDS)
If a trial involves complex circumstances pertaining to drugs or biologics, it is encouraged that study teams contact Investigational Drug Services (IDS) to confirm feasibility.
Medical Imaging
BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute (BMEII) provides biomedical imaging support for basic and clinical research including MRIs, and PET scans. Investigators who plan to utilize BMEII services for their projects must reach out during study feasibility to discuss the intended project, protocol feasibility, and any other technical or operational issues.
Ophthalmology
Research studies requiring ophthalmological services or collaborations should contact Katy Tai or Harriet Lloyd in the Department of Ophthalmology to discuss protocol feasibility, required certifications for procedures (OCT, visual fields), and research fees.
Transfusion Medicine, Apheresis and Cellular Therapy Laboratories
The Transfusion Medicine, Apheresis and Cellular Therapy Services in the Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine provide support for clinical research as it relates to use of data, blood banking, therapeutic apheresis, and cellular therapy activities including but not limited to collection, processing, storage and infusion. Investigators planning to use these services should consult service directors directly through https://icahn.mssm.edu/about/departments/pathology/clinical/transfusion-cellular.
Research 411 Portal
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