Author: MRN
When the industry talks about site networks it is often in a broad sense of the term and rarely with clear definitions and expectations outlined. This can often lead to various misunderstandings of not only what a site network is, but what they are capable of too.
A good example is when clinical or research site networks are mentioned in Australia & New Zealand1 or North America. In Australia & New Zealand site networks often associated with clinical trial sites working together to run clinical studies in a specific discipline or therapeutic indication. Whereas in North America, usage of site networks is broader, and can range from sites that fall under the umbrella of academic institutions or are just loosely grouped sites that are focused on similar research.
Yet, a new definition of what a Site Network is, is beginning to emerge – one that is being recognized on a global scale – the Community Site Network. These are site networks that work with clinical research sites that are based in and around communities – usually outside of major urban areas. While some of these networks may still focus on specific therapeutic indications or research, they are all focused on reaching patients in their own communities.
Driving Diversity & Inclusion With Community-based Site Networks
Community-based site networks have the geographical reach to be more accessible to more patients. However, site networks that are both community-based and patient-focused can do so much more than just provide accessibility.
With a focus on patients, these networks are fully embedded into the local community – which means that sites may not always be trial experienced. In fact, often it is trial-naïve sites that have the greatest impact on a trial’s ability to recruit and retain patients. While being new to running trials, the site teams are not new to the patients they treat and are often more likely to be representative of the community demographics – which gives them an immediate connection. Having established relationships with patients can be critical when it comes to recruitment of patients from minority groups as mistrust due to historical mistreatment and inclusion in trials persists. A deep-rooted connection with the community helps mitigate this, allowing study teams to more effectively address concerns and communicate what trial participation will mean for them.
However powerful the connection trial-naïve sites may have with their community, they still lack experience and, usually, resources. This is where a centralized site network management should be stepping in to support. And just like not every patient has the same needs, neither does every site.
Empowering Sites = Long-term Success & Access In Communities
Trial-naïve sites will need support, especially when it comes to initiating their first trial. And even experienced community-based sites can require varying degrees of support or access to more resources. A centralized site network management team can provide solutions and tools – especially important if the goal is to establish these sites as key research centers within their communities, with the ability to run multiple trials in various therapeutic indications.
Support for these sites should be based on a full review of the site – from staff training and experience to the sites infrastructure and IT systems. Once a full review has been conducted, implementing solutions becomes straightforward, with the right combination utilized to streamline and maximize the site’s patient recruitment and patient retention potential.
Tapping Into The Future
Community-based site networks are becoming a driving force in increasing enrollment and retention rates in clinical trials. Embedded into their communities; these sites have far greater positive reach – geographically and socio-ethically. Further, as real-world evidence (RWE) is a non-negotiable when it comes to applications for approvals, these sites can play a pivotal role2 when it comes to a therapy’s ability to demonstrate both efficacy and safety (through their trial data) to approval agencies.
Trying to incorporate RWE into trials, coupled with persistent difficulties in recruiting and retaining patients, is not something new to the industry – tackling both these issues at once, is. And the site networks proactively working with community sites are the ones doing it.
Find out how your trial could benefit by utilizing MRN’s global Site Network.
References:
- Sanders M, et al. Activities critical to success and growth of clinical trials networks. What is needed and how are we doing? An Australian and New Zealand perspective. Trials 24, 707 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07709-y. Last Accessed August 2025.
- Innes GK, et al. Real-World Evidence in New Drug and Biologics License Application Approvals During Fiscal Years 2020–2022. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Vol118, Issue1, July 2025. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpt.3688. Last Accessed August 2025.