The importance of clear, consistent communication between contract research organisations (CRO), sponsors and trial sites cannot be stressed enough. Effective collaboration between all contributors to a clinical trial is vital to ensure that differing needs and priorities are accommodated, from designing a project plan and setting milestones to establishing escalation pathways and driving timelines. Laura Tomat, Senior Director Clinical and Project Management at Indero, explores three critical aspects of communication in clinical research; the economics of communication, optimised delivery channels, and personalised communication.

Clinical trials can be complex, multinational undertakings that rely on the coordinated efforts of sponsors, CROs, investigative sites and regulators. Each stakeholder has distinct responsibilities and priorities, and they must all work together towards a common goal: delivering therapies to patients efficiently and safely. In this context, communication is more than an operational detail, it is a core competency that determines whether trials run smoothly or not. Inadequate or inconsistent communication can derail a study, jeopardising deadlines and creating recruitment challenges or protocol deviations. On the other hand, clear and timely exchanges between stakeholders strengthen alignment, mitigate risks and set the foundation for success.