Evolving partnership: the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Training Model for clinical research professionals

The Clinical trial industry has encountered challenging circumstances in which the increasing number of clinical trials is imbalanced with the number of trial specialists. Thus, it is their urgent need to have more trained clinical trial professionals.

Through the Department of International Trials, the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM), has been committed to improving access to healthcare by promoting international clinical research/trials between Japan and partners in Asia and African countries.

Recently, NCGM carried out an adaptive and collaborative training model aiming to increase the number of clinical trial professionals able to conduct trials from the study design to results dissemination. We also aimed to construct and enhance their network through this initiative.

Since 2016, we have implemented a Japan-led training program in a rolling-out format, which progressively evolved to the mixed model, including the train-the-trainer and customized training program reflecting local needs. The evolution consisted of four steps: the train-the-trainer, the needs-oriented local training program, the opened symposia, and the advanced learning.

Five countries’ research institutions collegially participated in this program with the NCGM.

After implementing these mixed models, we increased the number of trained professionals from about ten to over one thousand participants in a year. In addition, the model enhanced local engagement and compliance from participants. Furthermore, selected 30 participants could benefit by receiving more advanced training, mainly designed for those professionals involved in Investigator Initiated Trials.

Our experience evidenced the effective and efficient training model with a stepwise approach while having multiple collaborations with participants rather than having one-way methods.

We would like to propose this model as one of the alternative solutions to enhance clinical trial workforce in the number and quality.