Table 3.

Lessons learned – Recommendations for disaster preparedness for clinical trials

Anticipate potential disasters

Ensure clinical sites have a basic disaster plan which includes alternate contact information for participants

Advise participants to prepare a study related disaster kit (medications, supplies, contact info, etc)

Obtain alternative contact information from participants

Update participant contact information frequently

Store a copy of participant contact information at an alternate site

Consider a secure off site server to store and back up data

Set up a toll free number for participants to call in case of emergency

Have basic plans for an alternative clinical site should the primary site become unavailable

Develop plans in advance for participant tracking and retention should participants be displaced

Store biological samples in secure sites with backup electricity.

Study sponsors should be flexible in budgeting and study procedures (documentation, protocol deviations, etc.) in case of disruption