INTEGRATING RESEARCH INTO CLINICAL CARE: A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

Abstract

Introducing a research and development program into a tertiary care cardiac setting can be challenging. Some
primary factors to consider are the possible effects on the current clinical schedule, equipment and personnel
resources required to support the research projects. More importantly, how can an organization successfully
complete reliable and accurate research projects? This study describes our experience of establishing a R&D
unit within our clinical setting.
Our primary emphasis was providing an integrated research environment through delegated research staff
and resources. The first accomplishment was establishing 40 disease specific registry databases in all the
relevant specialties. The data generated from these registries helped develop key performance indicators,
conduct clinical audits, clinical trial, surveys and quality improvement initiatives, enhanced quality of care
and improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, this useful and organized information led to the publication of
74 original articles in two years. Restructuring of Institutional Ethical Review Board (IERB) was done
according to ICH and GCP guidelines to protect the rights, safety and well-being of all the humans involved
in a clinical trials and research studies.