Communication, Staffing, Technology: The Persistent Barriers in Clinical Trials

Context: Advarra is a provider of clinical research solutions and services — including IRB reviews, regulatory technology, and site training — the company works to streamline trials and foster connections between sites, sponsors, and CROs.

What the Survey Found: Three Key Barriers

1. Communication
Communication might seem like an obvious pillar of collaboration, but the survey reveals it’s far from optimized.

• While 68% of sites initiate communication daily or weekly, only 24% of sponsors and CROs do the same.
• Both groups — 53% of sites and 50% of sponsors/CROs — express a clear preference for more frequent updates on trial progress.

The disparity in communication frequency leads to misalignment and inefficiencies while, as one investigator put it:

“The rapport and relationship between sponsor/CRO, site, and investigator are most important in determining trial outcomes.”

2. Staffing
Staffing shortages remain a significant bottleneck. With seven open positions for every qualified clinical research coordinator, sites are under constant pressure to do more with less.

• Sites emphasized the need for better training, particularly for new clinical research associates (CRAs).
• Both sites (98%) and sponsors/CROs (92%) highlighted the importance of having a single point of contact to streamline operations and resolve issues more efficiently.

Organizations like AMR are already tackling this by adopting standardized training platforms like Advarra’s Longboat solution, but the problem is far from solved.

3. Technology
Technology has long promised to simplify trials, but stakeholders report mixed feelings about its actual effectiveness.

• Less than one-third (29%) of site respondents believe sponsor-provided technology delivers on its promise of efficiency.
• Just 33% say it improves trial execution.

Still, there’s a shared desire for better tools. Over 80% of respondents from both groups believe a centralized trial communications platform would add value. The challenge now is turning this demand into widespread adoption of technology that actually works for everyone.

Here’s Advarra’s five key actions outlined to address the aforementioned barriers:

1. Integrated Technology Systems
   Centralizing workflows could streamline everything from trial startup to execution, reducing redundancy and improving alignment.
2. Enhanced Communication Channels
   Creating clearer, more frequent communication processes can help close the gaps between sites and sponsors/CROs.
3. Optimized Reporting and Feedback
   Improving visibility and responsiveness ensures everyone stays informed and aligned on trial progress and potential issues.
4. Empowering Protocol Adherence
   Supporting sites with resources to follow protocols consistently can minimize trial delays and deviations.
5. Improved Staff Training
   Investing in ongoing education for site staff and CRAs is crucial to address capacity and skill gaps across the trial ecosystem.

Clinical trials rely on a finely tuned collaboration between stakeholders, and this survey makes clear that there’s work to be done. Communication gaps lead to inefficiencies, staffing shortages create bottlenecks, and poorly integrated technology systems add unnecessary complexity.

Advarra’s proposed steps provide a roadmap to focus on centralized solutions, improved training, and stronger communication — in hopes that the industry could move past these barriers and build a more efficient, effective clinical trial process.

For a deeper dive into the findings and recommendations, the full report is available for download here.