The Clinical Trials Unit, led by Dr. Jan Jansen, designs, coordinates and executes clinical trials of complex interventions, such as surgical procedures and medical devices. These trials present special problems for evaluators, which include small eligible populations, difficulties in standardizing the delivery of the interventions and sensitivity to local context.
We have particular expertise in conducting exception-from-informed-consent studies in the prehospital and in-hospital setting, as well as clinical trials requiring innovative (Bayesian or adaptive) approaches. We have a wide range of contacts in other academic and clinical areas to facilitate any necessary additional input.
Although housed within the Department of Surgery, we support trials (design and execution) in many clinical areas.
The CTU has a long-established Research Assistant Program with 24/7 presence in the hospital, which allows us to enroll patients at any time of the day or night. In addition to screening and enrolling patients, Research Assistants are also able to assist with follow-up visits while patients are in hospital, blood work, etc.
If you are interested in planning a trial or you would like UAB to be a site for a trial which is in progress (investigator-initiated or industry-sponsored), please email cis@uabmc.edu.
Jansen, Jan, MBBS, Ph.D.
Director
Professor, Department of Surgery Director of Research, Division of Acute Care Surgery Associate Vice Chair for Clinical Trials