One of the most important resources a clinical trial can provide is immediate access to a physician intimately familar with both the disease being studied and the clinical trial protocol. As part of the toll-free DCRI Clinical Helpline, a Duke University physician is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via pager to assist study sites with both protocol issues and questions about the acute care of the patients enrolled in the trial.

Having central, rapid access to a physician with expertise in both the disease under investigation and the clinical trial protocol enhances recruitment, increases protocol compliance, and significantly reduces the incidence of unblinding. The Helpline enables the early identification of trends in adverse events, allowing significant and clinically important protocol amendments.

The central Clinical Helpline also allows the recording and distribution of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers to all study personnel. The DCRI Clinical Helpline has been in operation since 1990 and has managed clinical questions from both short- and long-term trials from more than 20 countries. With more than 15,000 questions answered and counting, the Helpline is a proven and invaluable resource to any clinical research project.