Establishing a clinical research practice

A clinical research practice can provide numerous benefits to a clinical gastroenterology practice. These benefits include new learning opportunities, enhanced community image, increased referral base, and improved practice revenues for the practitioner, as well as new treatment opportunities for the patient. A deliberate, business-like approach with appropriate personnel and space is necessary for a successful clinical research practice. All personnel should have a thorough understanding of good clinical practices. Avenues for obtaining a research grant are available, even for novice investigators, if the site is patient and committed. The purpose of this review is to explore the positive as well as the negative aspects of starting a clinical research practice, the requirements for getting the site started, finding the first study grant, and tasks to be anticipated during the conduct of a study.