Embedding clinical trial elements into clinical practice: Experiences from trial designers and implementers

Introduction: Researchers and policymakers recognize that leveraging data routinely collected in clinical practice can support improved research and patient care. Embedding elements of clinical trials, such as patient identification and trial data acquisition, into clinical practice can enable research access and increase efficiencies by reducing duplication of trial and care activities. Yet, cultural, administrative, and data barriers exist. The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI) developed evidenced-based, multi-partner recommendations to facilitate embedding interventional, randomized trials into clinical practice.

Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with trial designers and implementers to describe their motivations for embedding interventional, randomized trials into clinical practice. Additionally, we aimed to identify barriers and potential solutions to implementing such trials. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using applied thematic analysis.

Results: We conducted 16 IDIs with 18 trial designers and implementers. Motivations for embedding trials into clinical practice included the desire to implement a learning health system and evaluate trials in real-world settings. Barriers to trial implementation focused on limited staff time and availability, the lack of buy-in, and difficulties using electronic health record data. Solutions included minimizing healthcare settings and patient burden, having a sufficient data and research infrastructure in place, and creating a culture change.

Conclusion: The results informed CTTI recommendations to facilitate the design and operation of embedded trials. These recommendations emphasize areas where sponsors and investigators can rethink the design and conduct of clinical trials to ultimately realize an aligned system of research and care.