Our Services - Protocol Development
The Comprehensive Clinical Research Unit (CCRU) provides direction and support to clinician researchers with all aspects of planning for and conducting clinical trials and clinical research within Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). The design of clinical trials and clinical research projects can be time--consuming and complex when viewed from the standpoint of developing project aims, statistical strategies, collaborations, and funding sources. To address these issues, the CCRU employs a highly trained research staff that provides guidance on the following:
- Research design
- Project feasibility
- Budget evaluation
- Staff planning
- Project implementation
- Biostatistical and data analytic services
- Collaborative opportunities
Online Research Training Modules
The CCRU has developed an online course offered through KP Learn called Introduction to Clinical Research. This course is designed to introduce physicians, other healthcare professionals, and research staff to clinical research principles and study design. The course format consists of targeted modules including:
- Choosing a Research Question
- Observational Study Designs
- Experimental Study Designs/Clinical Trials
- Selecting Study Subjects
- Choosing & Measuring Variables
- Confounding and Bias
- Kaiser Permanente Data Sources for Research
Research Collaboration Web Portal
The CCRU operates an interactive Research Collaboration Web Portal that allows KPNC researchers to request assistance with proposal reviews, budget preparation, and selected biostatistical and analytic support, as well as other types of assistance.
To assist non--KPNC researchers or sponsors who want to work in partnership with KPNC, the RCWP also serves as a conduit for collaboration requests. After submitting a formal request to collaborate through the RCWP, the CCRU Collaborations Coordinator will:
- Determine if an appropriate KPNC researcher is available and interested in collaborating
- Orient non--KPNC researchers as to how research is conducted at KPNC
- Help develop effective collaborations with KPNC