Unleashing the potential of clinical trials: A vision takes shape
Background
British Columbia offers a world-class collaborative network for conducting clinical trials. We have expert clinical trial investigators and certified coordinators who conduct over 1,300 trials yearly and more than 100 clinical trial sites across the province in hospital, outpatient, and community settings. Despite the many strengths in the province, supporting infrastructure for clinical trials varies across BC’s research sites, institutes, and health authorities.
We engaged 170 stakeholders in BC and Canada to gain a more robust understanding of BC’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities in the areas of clinical trials capacity, expertise, review and approval processes, and culture. The outcome of this work is the “A Vision for Clinical Trials in British Columbia” document and has been endorsed by the BC Ministry of Health.

The shared vision — bold, aspirational and achievable — reflects a future in which clinical trials investments are maximized for the benefit of all British Columbians:
A robust, innovative, coordinated, and person-centred clinical trials ecosystem improving health and economic outcomes for British Columbians.

Advance vision into action
Throughout the coming months, we will continue our role to catalyze change and mobilize communities for research impact by convening conversations that will lead to further actions to advance the vision. We will continue to foster collaboration and commit to respectful engagement with Indigenous Peoples and communities. We will participate in national efforts to strengthen Canada’s clinical trial environment and BC’s vision for clinical trials will inform this work.
Related updates & events
- LSBC Access to Innovation conference: Unleashing the Potential of Clinical Trials in BC: A Vision Takes Shape (February 23). Learn more
Contact information
A summary of what we heard during our consultations is available on request. To discuss how we might work together to advance the vision, please contact Alison Orth, director, Clinical Trials BC at aorth@healthresearchbc.ca.