Longitudinal Experience With and Impressions of COVID-19-Related Clinical Research Changes.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to profound changes in clinical research, including remote consent, telehealth, off-site procedures, shipment of therapy, and remote study monitoring. We assessed longitudinal perceptions of these adjustments among clinical research professionals.

Methods: We distributed an anonymous survey assessing experiences, perceptions, and recommendations regarding COVID-19-related clinical research adjustments to cancer clinical research office personnel in May 2020 and again in November 2020. Responses were compared using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: A total of 90 of 102 invited research personnel (88%) responded. Fifty-three (59%) reported participating in both initial and follow-up surveys. The proportion of respondents reporting personal experience with COVID-19-related adjustments increased over time, particularly for remote initial consent (29% 4%), remote reconsent (24% 9%), and remote study monitoring (36% 22%). Perceived impact of COVID-19-related adjustments on data quality ( = .02) and patient experience ( = .002) improved significantly. However, perceived effect on patient safety ( = .02) and respondent's experience ( = .09) became less favorable. Individuals with personal experience with the adjustment were more likely to recommend continuing remote consent (62% 38%; = .04), remote monitoring (69% 45%; = .05), and therapy shipment (67% 35%; = .01) after the COVID-19 pandemic, with nonsignificant trends for off-site diagnostics (44% 24%; = .13) and telehealth visits (66% 45%; = .08).

Conclusion: More than 6 months into the global pandemic, perceptions of COVID-19-related clinical research changes remain favorable. Experienced individuals are more likely to recommend that these changes continue in the future.