BC has a shared vision for clinical trials — one that reflects a future in which clinical trials investments maximize benefits for all British Columbians. Over the past year, Michael Smith Health Research BC has strengthened British Columbia’s clinical trials landscape by deepening our focus on the three priorities identified at the November 2023 vision leadership roundtable. The recent release of a situational analysis of clinical trials in BC commissioned by Health Research BC echoes the importance of these three priorities.

Through our provincial research programs managed and delivered by our Clinical Trials BC and Research Ethics BC teams, we streamlined business services, enhanced clinical trials infrastructure, and developed a model for single ethics review for multi-jurisdictional research.

Here’s a closer look at our progress in these key areas.

Widespread adoption of the provincial Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) program was identified at the roundtable as integral to streamlining clinical trial operations across BC to achieve efficiencies and reduce administrative burden.

Since the CTMS was implemented in 2020, participation in the program continues to grow. Currently, 71 sites across Fraser Health, Interior Health, Island Health, Northern Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, and PHSA are using the CTMS, encompassing 1,556 total trials.

A skilled professional workforce is crucial to building sustainable clinical trial infrastructure. In 2024, our Clinical Trials BC team continued to deliver regulatory compliance education, support professional certification, host communities of practice, and promote jobs through our provincial job board. Additionally, we are advancing professional development in clinical research through partnered initiatives.

Our partnered suite of programs includes six CIHR-funded clinical trials training platforms (CTTP), Network of Networks (N2), and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). This past year, we:

• funded and administered provincial membership access to regulatory training and continuing education for over 1,400 learners completing more than 5,100 modules
• contributed to the development of CANTRAIN’s training curriculum and course content
• funded three internship opportunities in clinical research
• supported salary awardees to develop skills in trial design, leadership, and clinical research

Our Research Ethics BC team facilitates a provincially harmonized system for research ethics review across academic, health, and community-based institutions. Three more ethics boards joined the harmonized research ethics platform this year, bringing the total to 27.

One of the objectives set at the roundtable meeting was to identify, by the end of 2024, feasible models for single ethics review when a trial is conducted at more than one BC institution.

The Research Ethics Model Design Initiative, led by Health Research BC and supported by Accenture, wrapped up its 18-week project as planned. In November 2024, we presented three proposed models, along with a transformation business case for a provincial health authority research ethics board service model, to the Ministry of Health and Leadership Council.

Over the past year, the health research community has come together to drive meaningful change—streamlining operations, strengthening the workforce, and advancing multi-jurisdictional review processes. This progress is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and expertise of those working to improve clinical research in BC.

Learn more about the clinical trials vision and get the latest updates.