Multi-site research coordination and standardization

Coordinate research across multiple sites while maintaining quality and consistency. Governance structure: 1. Steering committee: principal investigators from each site plus coordinating center. 2. Data and safety monitoring board: independent oversight of study progress and safety. 3. Working groups: methodology, recruitment, data management, publication. Standardization procedures: 1. Common protocol: detailed procedures manual shared across all sites. 2. Training programs: standardized training for all research staff with certification. 3. Quality assurance: regular site visits, conference calls, performance monitoring. Data management: 1. Centralized database: single data repository with controlled access. 2. Data standards: common data elements, coding schemes, variable definitions. 3. Real-time monitoring: dashboard showing enrollment, data quality metrics by site. Communication: 1. Regular meetings: monthly investigator calls, quarterly face-to-face meetings. 2. Documentation: shared file systems, meeting minutes, decision logs. Challenges: 1. Site heterogeneity: different populations, resources, regulations. 2. Timeline coordination: competing priorities and schedules. 3. Intellectual property: authorship agreements, data sharing policies.