Clinical trial protocols have become increasingly intricate, with a surge in trials utilizing novel designs and continuous expansion in the volume and scope of research regulation. High-quality protocols are more likely to meet enrollment goals, address primary aims, and incorporate operational efficiencies. They can also be easier for less-experienced staff to implement. However, protocol development is time-consuming, and few investigators possess adequate training and experience. While centralized protocol development services can be highly effective, they are often cost-prohibitive. The NIH-funded CTSA Clinical and Translational Research-Launch (CTR-Launch) trial addresses these challenges by testing a novel concept – provision of FREE protocol writing support by a protocol writer to achieve high-quality protocols for investigator-initiated trials (IITs). 

Much of UMHealthResearch.org’s national reputation as an exceptional research participant recruitment platform is due to its innovative design, which has led to it being adopted by other research sites across the country. The University of Miami is the latest academic research institute to launch their own customized version of YourHealthResearch, which went live in mid-October.

Michigan Medicine is partnering with sponsor AstraZeneca in a multi-site, international effort researching an investigational vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19.

Diane M. Harper MD, MPH, MS, will serve as the faculty lead of the new Hub Research Capacity Core at MICHR. The Hub Research Capacity Core represents the integration of critical components of ensuring implementation of high-quality clinical research at the University of Michigan.

MICHR’s unique participant recruitment site has received national recognition and attention across the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) consortium. UMHealthResearch is now being deployed across the country at half a dozen other CTSA programs in Illinois and Florida, with more expressing interest as the word spreads about its unique design and interface.

Traditional clinical research study registries require researchers to seek out participants and find suitable matches to enroll in their studies. At the University of Michigan, the UMHealthResearch.org registry takes its capabilities one important step further by empowering potential research participants to do the same.

Researchers who are working on studies to understand and combat COVID-19 can gain access to potential study participants who self-identify as having the virus or having been diagnosed and recovered, by posting their studies on UMHealthResearch (UMHR).

MICHR’s Recruitment Program is offering several free training opportunities that may assist with recruitment and retention for your current and future research studies. Learn more below.

On September 20, UMClinicalStudies.org becomes UMHealthResearch.org.