In October 2024, the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group (NCTOG) published its interim recommendations aimed at strengthening Ireland’s clinical trials environment and increasing the number of commercial and non-commercial clinical trials taking place nationally. The report focuses on improving the efficiency of clinical trial start-up processes through recommendations relating to clinical trial contracts, costings, and data protection arrangements. These measures are intended to reduce delays, improve consistency across sites, enhance patient access to clinical trials, and support Ireland’s competitiveness as a destination for clinical research..
For research nurses and midwives, the report highlights the importance of a streamlined and coordinated clinical research system that enables faster study start-up, reduced administrative burden, and greater opportunities for patients to participate in clinical trials.
A key theme throughout the report is that improved collaboration, standardisation, and national coordination can strengthen Ireland’s clinical research infrastructure while delivering benefits for patients, healthcare services, and the wider research community