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- Published
- Updated
Contact information in a public trial record is more than a field to complete. A person trying to understand the research or a professional asking a scientific question may rely on it. Sponsors should assess whether the published route works, reaches an appropriate team and survives personnel changes.
Decision framework
Distinguish general enquiries from scientific questions. Check which personal or institutional contact fields the platform requests. Arrangements depending entirely on one employee's inbox can fail during absence or departure. Consider privacy and authority to respond alongside the practical communication workflow rather than adding them after questions begin to arrive.
Worked example
For example, the record displays a former project manager's address. A message expressing interest in participation reaches an account that has closed. Transition review establishes an appropriate institutional route and updates the record. The enquiry is directed appropriately without unauthorised eligibility assessment, promises of participation or requests for unnecessary health information.
Implementation checks
- Test that the published address is active and routes to the intended team using an appropriate enquiry example.
- Define response ownership, privacy considerations and necessary escalation routes for different categories of incoming questions.
- Trigger another review of public contact fields when staff or service providers change during the life of the trial.
Acceptance and boundaries
Accept the arrangement when enquirers reach a working channel and staff understand their response boundaries. This example promises neither a particular response time nor eligibility to participate. Public communication does not replace investigator assessment, consent or other authorised trial processes that determine participation and conduct.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a general enquiry receive medical assessment?
- It may be referred to authorised medical processes; project communications staff should not exceed their role.
- Is an institutional address sufficient by itself?
- No. It also needs actual ownership, monitoring and suitable routing.