Description
The VTT excerpt showcases a presentation by Mark Peters, Deputy Chair of the HTA and Professor of Pediatric Intensive Care at UCL, at a clinical research conference. In this introduction, Xavier Griffin highlights Mark's expertise and his role in overseeing studies within the HTA, which funds large clinical trials assessing real-world effectiveness.
Mark begins by sharing his insights from the field, focusing on common pitfalls that lead to failed applications for funding. He emphasizes that while financial considerations are important, the HTA prioritizes robust applications that address practical healthcare needs and inequalities. He suggests that researchers must be realistic about sample sizes and effect sizes, noting that unrealistic estimates are a frequent cause of study failures. Mark advocates for including challenging voices in trial committees to test the feasibility of study designs and encourages constant communication with funders to address potential delays or complications early in the process.
The discussion also highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring throughout the study's life cycle and the necessity of proposing concrete solutions to encountered problems. Mark shares practical recommendations for improving recruitment strategies, adjusting inclusion criteria, and advocating for trials that respond dynamically to changing healthcare landscapes. He closes with an optimistic view of HTA's support for successful studies and a reminder of the need for transparent dialogue between researchers and funding bodies.