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Friday, 27 October, 2023

Process mapping at the Mater's clinical trial unit

Two photos. One depicts the Mater's trial team discussing clinical trial processes. The second is the team at an escape room, having successfully escaped. There is a cycle symbol between the pictures representing a process map.

Efficiency in clinical trials is of paramount importance when it comes to delivering effective treatments to our patients. Recently, the UCD Cancer Trials Cluster initiated a journey in process mapping, in collaboration with our teams at the Cancer Clinical Research Trust (CCRT) and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

Fostering a culture of collaboration, our clinical trial team at Mater embarked on an in-depth exploration of the clinical trial process through process mapping. Joining by our dedicated colleagues from the Mater's Cancer Directorate, pharmacy, and day wards, our team dedicated the morning to focusing on efficiency, increased accrual, and improved patient care.

The cornerstone of our efforts was a thorough process mapping exercise. This involved creating a detailed visual representation of the entire clinical trials process, spanning from study identification and start-up to closeout.

The process mapping exercise provided us with a comprehensive view of our workflow, revealing critical areas where delays and inefficiencies occurred. This newfound clarity set the stage for substantive improvements and a more streamlined clinical trial process. Process improvement initiatives arising from the day are already being implemented!

To decompress after an intense morning, the team then took part in an escape room game. Half the team attempted to solve the mysterious disappearance of their 'friend-turned-spy' while the others got captured by the Mafia! 

Working together as teams to solve complex clues and puzzles, everyone managed to escape their predicaments safely and clinical trials can continue. Who got out quickest? We'll keep that one secret.

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Contact the UCD Cancer Trials Cluster

UCD Clinical Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4
E: cancertrials@ucd.ie