Frontier sites in clinical trials: Opportunities, challenges, and models

Abstract

Background

The clinical trials industry faces a growing capacity gap driven by an increasing number of studies combined with site and staff shortages. The Site Enablement League (SEL) Task Force on Frontier Sites was established to explore the potential of non-traditional research sites—termed "frontier sites"—to address these issues by expanding access to underserved populations and embedding clinical research in community settings.

Methods

The task force defined frontier sites and conducted a survey to gather perspectives on their benefits, challenges, and support needs. Twenty-nine valid survey responses were collected. Respondents self-identified as having direct experience with frontier sites (“experienced respondents”) or answered based on their perception of working with frontier sites (“perception respondents”). Free-text responses were coded into categories and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results

Access to new participant populations was the most cited benefit, and experienced respondents noted additional gains in site engagement and education. Operational infrastructure deficiencies were the primary challenge identified by both experienced and perception respondents. Experienced respondents highlighted greater concerns about compliance and community resistance. The primary support need identified was enhanced operational support and quality oversight. Differences between experienced and perception respondent groups suggested the need for broader industry education.

Conclusion

Frontier sites offer significant promise for increasing research capacity and diversity, but require substantial operational, educational, and community engagement support. These survey findings provide a foundation for shared understanding across the industry. From that foundation the industry can work to develop a playbook to guide the successful integration of frontier sites into clinical trial operations.