COVID-19 Had Lasting Impacts on Clinical Research

The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on clinical trial research, according to research pharmacist Brian Wortz, PharmD, of Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Trial protocols are constantly evolving, Wortz said, although the pandemic accelerated many changes, including the need for virtual communication.

Because study coordinators were unable to travel, Wortz said researchers were forced to adapt quickly and figure out what they could do remotely. For example, he said they received glasses to wear with cameras embedded in them, which allowed coordinators to see the facility and get a feel for how the research was progressing.