Table 5.
A taxonomy of network models for recruitment in randomized clinical trials.
| Type | Description | Network Infrastructure is Sponsored Independent of Any Trial | Typical Geographic Distribution | Purpose | Traveling Coordinators | Examples* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience | A sponsor contracts with investigators at multiple hospitals, practices, or other institutions to identify, enroll, and follow participants. Each investigator must assemble an institutional research team, including coordinators. | No | Unlimited | Single Trial | No | Most Trials |
| Gateway | These networks are comprised of investigators who are typically working in the same specialty. Sponsors apply to the network administration for approval of the protocol and permission to approach members who have expressed interest in the study. | Yes | National | Multiple Trials | No | CSC, UKCRN |
| Fully Managed Disease Community | One clinical coordinating center and data center support multiple trials, concurrently and over time, in one disease area using pre-approved centers (i.e., hospitals or practices). Trial protocols may be developed internally or through external peer review. | Yes | Regional or National | Multiple Trials | No | CGP of NCI, NETT, AIDS Clinical trials Cooperative Groups |
| Corporate | Coordinating and data centers maintained by health maintenance organizations support trials at their facilities. Trials may be developed internally or externally. | Yes | Regional | Multiple Trials | No | Kaiser Permanente |
| Outreach | One regional coordinating center sends coordinators to collaborating regional hospitals to complete participant recruitment and follow-up. This model may includes active surveillance for potential participants and home visits to reduce barriers to trial participation. | No | Regional | Single Trial | Yes | LION |
*
CSC=Canadian Stroke Consortium, UKCRN=United Kingdom Clinical Research Network, CGP of NCI=Cooperative Group Program of the National Cancer Institute, NETT=Neurological Emergency Treatment Trials Network of the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, LION=Local identification and Outreach Networks.