The Outsourcing in Clinical Trials (OCT)

Key observations & overview of the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials (OCT) UK and Ireland 2023 Conference

Carrot Recruitment consultant Amie Lovelock recently attended the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials (OCT) UK and Ireland 2023 Conference. In this article, Amie summarises the key takeaways from the conference and how valuable she found it.

About the conference

The aim of the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials (OCT) UK and Ireland 2023 is to bring together key figures from large pharmaceutical companies and biopharmaceutical firms of various sizes, all gathering to explore the details of operational excellence, challenges, and cutting-edge advancements in the UK and Ireland's clinical development scene.

Overview of discussions from the conference

Amongst many guest speakers and presentations around the world of research, there was an insightful keynote speaker presentation from Lord James O’Shaughnessy addressing a range of current issues within the clinical research space and ways in which he plans to implement change.

The presentation from Lord O’Shaughnessy was based on his previous report regarding eight current problems within the industry and how changes are going to be put in place to improve and mitigate any further issues.

Lord O’Shaughnessy discussed the following topics within his eight current problems within the UK Clinical Trials industry and suggestions on how these can be addressed:

• The current clinical trial set up and approval processes
• Transparency and data about commercial clinical trials activity
• Accountability at every level of underperformance in clinical trials
• Systemically prioritising research by the NHS and internally within the NHS
• Encouraging Doctors, Nurses, and NHS organisations to take part in research, especially when it is commercially funded
• Improving conversations about research via interactions between clinicians and patients. As well as increasing the profile of research amongst the general public, especially amongst disadvantaged and marginalised groups
• Utilising data assets from the NHS in supporting clinical trials
• Funding primary care research networks and introducing regulatory guidance

How to improve the backlog of MHRA approvals for trials across the UK

An issue that has caused huge impacts within the industry was addressed, that being the backlog of MHRA approvals for trials across the UK. This was something that Amie was keen to learn more about from the conference, she came away from the conference reassured that these issues have been acknowledged and that there are solid plans in place to help bring this back down to realistic time frames.

The presentation also encouraged staff to work together across all platforms (NHS, Academia and Industry) to pull together and build a better future for clinical trials across the UK and Ireland.

Amie Lovelock concludes about the conference

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at the Outsourcing Clinical Trials (UK and Ireland) 2023 conference in September. It was really refreshing to hear positives from professionals within the industry about future plans for growth, development, and sustainability.

Working within this remit, it is always great to build by network, and people were really welcoming and educational during my attendance. I am excited to see what the future holds for the clinical trials space, and I am looking forward to being a small part of it!"

If you would like to find out more about our current Clinical Research and Clinical Operations opportunities, contact Amie to discuss the next steps in your career:

amie@carrotpharma.co.uk