In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Sandy Smith, Sylvia Baedorf Kassis, and Dr. Donna Snyder discuss the critical role of health literacy in clinical research. They explore how clear communication can enhance patient understanding and engagement, the importance of a common language in research, and the introduction of the MRCT Center’s Clinical Research Glossary as a tool to facilitate better communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistent terminology and the integration of health literacy practices in clinical research to improve participant experiences and outcomes.

Key highlights:

• Health literacy is crucial for effective communication and participant engagement in clinical research.
• The MRCT Center’s Clinical Research Glossary helps simplify complex terms into plain language, supporting understanding for all stakeholders.
• Consistent terminology and clear communication empower participants, improve data accuracy, and enhance patient advocacy.
• Integrating health literacy practices leads to better retention and experiences for trial participants.

Host:

Sandy Smith, RN, MSN, AOCN, senior vice president, clinical solutions & strategic partnering, WCG

Guests:

Sylvia Baedorf Kassis, MPH, program director, Multi-Regional Clinical Trials Center of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard

Donna Snyder, MD, MBE, executive physician, WCG

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Cristin MacDonald, Doug Mayer, and Tyler Bye discuss how Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions are democratizing the clinical trial landscape. Learn how SaaS platforms are enabling organizations of all sizes to leverage cutting-edge technology, improving collaboration, standardization, and data security throughout the clinical research process. The team shares the benefits of adopting SaaS, practical insights for successful implementation, and highlights the pivotal role of technology partnerships in supporting innovation and research efficiency. Tune in to discover how your organization can optimize clinical trials and accelerate research impact with SaaS technology.

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, and Bryan Wayne, vice president of imaging operations, both of WCG, explore the critical role of imaging in clinical trials. Together, they break down industry acronyms, unpack the process of independent image review, and discuss how WCG is contributing to the validation and implementation of AI-driven radiology solutions. Listen in as they share behind-the-scenes insights into core lab operations, the significance of sample size and study design, and how emerging technology is shaping the future of clinical research. Whether you are a clinical trial professional, healthcare innovator, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and research, this episode provides valuable perspectives on driving efficiency, accuracy, and better outcomes in clinical research imaging. 

For more information about WCG’s imaging solutions, visit wcgclinical.com/imaging.  

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Sandy Smith, senior vice president, clinical solutions & strategic partnering, WCG, is joined by Tiffany Pierce, director, clinical trials core, Henry Ford Health System, to discuss resilience in clinical research.

As the landscape of clinical trials faces evolving challenges, they explore how organizations and institutions, like Henry Ford Health, are addressing disruptions, uncertainties, and changes at the federal level. Learn about innovative strategies to enhance trial efficiency, including role clarity, flexible workflows, and diversifying research portfolios.

With a focus on maintaining forward momentum in trials and remaining nimble, they discuss actionable solutions to administrative burdens and enhance the efficiency and speed of trial completion. This episode offers invaluable guidance for professionals seeking to stay agile and adapt to ongoing changes in the clinical trials. 

HOST: Sandy Smith

SPEAKER: Tiffany Pearce

Dive into the world of generative AI with Silvio Galea, chief data analytics officer, WCG, and Kyle Miller, lead data scientist, WCG. In this compelling episode of WCG Talks Trials, we explore how Generative AI can improve clinical research workflows from meticulous data entry to efficient data validation. Uncover the technology behind AI’s ability to assist in document updates, highlight transcription biases, and digitize complex data for predictive analytics. Understand the importance of human oversight and practical applications that can optimize how clinical trials are conducted. Whether you’re curious about AI’s role in reading dense documents or leveraging pipelines for innovation, this episode provides the insights you need.

Guests:

Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, WCG

Kyle Miller, lead data scientist, WCG

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, join Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, WCG, and Melissa Hutchens, vice president of research and benchmarking, WCG, as they discuss the transformative role of AI in clinical trials. Discover how generative AI and other AI technologies are enhancing the quality of clinical trials, reducing cycle times, and cutting costs. The episode covers the benefits, barriers, and concerns associated with AI, and explores its applications in drug discovery, participant recruitment, trial design, and more. Tune in to learn about the latest advancements in AI and how they are shaping the future of clinical trials.  

Guests: 

• Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, WCG 
• Melissa Hutchens, vice president of research and benchmarking, WCG 

Join us for "Breaking Down Site Complexities and Start-Up Barriers in Clinical Trials" as we uncover the complexities of site management and the barriers to effective study start-ups. Discover the top issues impacting research sites and strategies to overcome them, including trial complexity, start-up hurdles, and long initiation timelines.  

Learn how effective communication, teamwork, and clear processes can drive success, and the importance of human connections and inclusivity in clinical research. Get practical advice for improving site readiness and trial efficiency from our expert guests.  

Don't miss this essential episode on navigating the evolving clinical trial landscape at sites. 

Guests:

Jessica Thurmond, program director, WCG 

Pat Harrington, senior vice president, Clinical Solutions & Strategic Partnering, WCG 

Brad Gruener, vice president, Site Services, WCG 

Join us for a compelling episode of WCG Talks Trials where we take a look into the rewarding world of clinical trials and clinical development. In this episode, George Cokenakes, director of clinical services, review solutions, WCG, speaks with Dr. James Januzzi, a renowned cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and chief scientific officer at Baim Institute for Clinical Research. Dr. Januzzi shares his inspiring journey, highlighting the significance of clinical trial participation and the diverse opportunities that can shape a medical career. 

Learn from Dr. Januzzi's extensive experience in clinical research, including his work on cardiac biomarkers, drug therapy development, and involvement in various therapeutic areas. Discover how career decisions and active engagement in clinical trials can open doors to numerous possibilities and significantly impact patient care. 

Tune in for this insightful conversation and gain valuable advice for budding clinicians and researchers. 

Speakers: 

George Cokenakes, PMP, director of clinical services, review solutions, WCG 

James Januzzi, MD, FACC, cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital and chief scientific officer, Baim Institute for Clinical Research 

In this episode of "WCG Talks Trials," host Geoffrey Schick, director of strategic site partnerships, WCG, is joined by fellow MAGI@home 2024 speakers Sandy Smith, Jess Thompson, and Wesley Warren. They share their unique perspectives and key takeaways from this year's virtual conference, including discussions on contract negotiations, the evolving role of advanced practice practitioners, and the collaborative panels featuring both site and sponsor/CRO insights. The episode also recaps the impactful session on the FDA's Diversity Action Plan and what it means for the future of clinical trials. Tune in to hear about the dynamic energy, valuable connections, and innovative challenges that make MAGI and MAGI@home standout events in clinical research. Don't miss out on the exciting plans for MAGI 2025 in Boston, where trends will continue to evolve and new opportunities will emerge. 

Guests: 

• Geoffrey Schick, MBA, CHRC, Director of Strategic Site Partnerships, WCG  
• Sandy Smith, RN, MSN, AOCN, Senior Vice President, Clinical Solutions & Strategic Partnerships, WCG 
• Jess Thompson, MS, MBA, PMP, Founder, ACRPM.org 
• Wesley Warren, J.D., Executive Director, Research Strategy & Partnerships, City of Hope 

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, host Sandy Smith, senior vice president of clinical solutions and strategic partnering at WCG, dives into the highlights of the Florence Healthcare Research Revolution event. Sandy is joined by industry experts Andrea Bastek, vice president of innovation at Florence, and Lauren Sobocinski, senior vice president of strategic alliances at WCG, to discuss transformative insights from the event. Discover the latest trends shaping clinical research, including site engagement, protocol complexity, and effective sponsor-site relationships. Tune in for a compelling discussion on how collaborative efforts and innovative technologies are driving positive change in the clinical trial landscape.