Evolving roles of Data Coordinating Centers in multisite research: Challenges and adaptations from a rapid scoping review.

Abstract

Data Coordinating Centers (DCCs) play essential roles in multisite clinical and translational research, ensuring consistent protocol implementation, data integrity, and regulatory compliance across geographically and organizationally diverse sites. As study design, regulatory, and technological complexity have evolved, DCC responsibilities have expanded beyond data coordination. This rapid scoping review maps published experiences from academic DCCs to address two questions: (i) What key organizational and operational challenges have been reported? (ii) What solutions and emerging technologies have been adopted in response? We conducted a rapid scoping review in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). We searched the peer-reviewed literature (2010-2025) using PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science Core Collection. Fifteen reports describing 16 DCCs were included in this review. DCCs faced recurring challenges related to infrastructure development, multisite coordination, regulatory governance, data heterogeneity, and workforce development. Reported adaptations include homegrown modular infrastructure solutions, standardized workflows, streamlined proactive regulatory processes, and workforce investments. By synthesizing evidence on DCC challenges and adaptations, this review provides practical guidance to help DCCs enhance operational feasibility and uphold scientific integrity in multisite clinical and translational research.