Clinical research stakeholders’ experiences of clinical research during COVID-19: a qualitative study

Christine FitzGerald, Aoife Vaughan-Witts, Louise Barry, Gillian Corey, Fiona Leahy, Siobhán Egan, Elaine Conway, Margaret O’Connor, Rose Galvin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created a complex high-risk clinical research environment with clinical research activities significantly impacted. Clinical research stakeholders adapted rapidly to new clinical practices; PPE, infection control policies, all while engaging with a more unwell patient demographic. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of conducting clinical research during COVID-19 with clinical research stakeholders. Methods: This qualitative study of semi-structured interviews conducted with clinical research stakeholders in an acute Hospital setting across a variety of disciplines; Consultant Geriatrician, Clinical Research Nurse, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy. Interviews were fully transcribed prior to reflexive thematic analysis. NVivo software was used to support data management and analysis. Results: Three main themes were produced; (1) The challenging COVID-19 clinical research landscape, (2) COVID-19 clinical research communication barriers, and (3) Adaptations and learnings from clinical research during COVID-19. Conclusions: This study explored the experiences of conducting clinical research during COVID-19 with clinical research stakeholders examining challenges faced and adaptations required. The findings inform, equip and support clinical research stakeholders in the event of future adverse public health events.

Original languageEnglish
Article number240
Pages (from-to)240
JournalBMC Research Notes
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023

Keywords

  • Clinical research
  • Clinical research stakeholders
  • COVID-19
  • Qualitative

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