The clinical research conference circuit across Australasia requires several months of preparation to ensure our team can meaningfully participate, capture insight, and share these reflections across our respective networks.

I took a week off at the end of it all (no, really, I did!), and this period of rest allowed me to digest these lessons and their implications for our work.

Shaping the research of tomorrow

This circuit presents a critical opportunity for collaboration with researchers leading and advancing infectious disease research. A primary message for us all; ‘Engage Early.’

Designing clinical trials with a deep understanding of participants' environments and circumstances is critical to their success. This seems like a basic premise for human-centred clinical trials, right? 

A great example of this was a trial initially designed to administer a daily tablet to women with perinatal infectious diseases. Many of the women enrolled in the trial were experiencing challenging living conditions in lower socio-economic conditions. After further exploration into the success of administering these drugs, the trial was adjusted to a twice-yearly injection. 

This trial (and many others) sparked conversations about gender equity, early engagement with participants, race, culture, and designing for diversity. 

Spotlight on SNAP: simplifying adaptive research

I joined a panel of experts to discuss the importance of partnering early and enabling collaboration throughout. Collaboration with our clients ensures that all necessary perspectives are considered, leading to a more robust and well-rounded result. 

From study objectives to data collection methods, regulatory risks and successful patient recruitment, it is within Spiral’s DNA to remain committed to this approach. 

While REMAP-CAP often takes centre stage as one of our most extensive and complex trials (made simple), the SNAP trial captured the spotlight this time. 

SNAP, which includes sites in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Israel, aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections.

Our peer, Steve Tong, provided a compelling metaphor for SNAP—and novel clinical trials in general.

This analogy highlights the flexibility of platform trials, such as with REMAP-CAP and SNAP, where we build a versatile framework to accommodate multiple studies.

Let’s engage early!

I could not cover every theme with enough depth or justice, but the following key messages emerged time and time again in our discussions:

• Ensure adequate initial funding—$1,000 per patient is a baseline

• Use co-enrolment to share costs, but be prepared for additional work

• Complete and accurate data are crucial. Address issues promptly.

• Simplify consent processes and consider the value of verbal consent

• Regular audit trails to ensure compliance and quality

• Utilise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to complement monitoring efforts

• Simplify protocols to enhance participation

• Larger cohorts with more straightforward data attract more interest

• Pay close attention to trial details and management

• Engage research nurses in database creation and appoint a skilled database manager

• Implement more innovative algorithms for data queries to reduce exhaustion

• Hospitals prefer trials that compensate research nurses

• Be mindful of trial fatigue among participants and staff

And again, engage early...... so let's!

CEO & Spiral Founder, Audrey Shearer