Report from subgroup education, training, infrastructure and patient involvement under OECD GSF working group to facilitate international cooperation in non-commercial clinical trials

The rapid development and completion of academic clinical trials should be viewed as a priority in order to prevent disease, and to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with disease. International cooperation in the field of multi-center clinical trials is essential for the optimal performance of this research activity. However, there are several impediments to conducting multi-center clinical trials. In recognition of this, the OECD Global Science Forum established a Working Group to facilitate international cooperation in non-commercial clinical trials. A major focus of this work has been on the need to improve supporting infrastructure, education and training of trial investigators, and patient involvement in clinical research. The present article describes the work of the Education and Training Subgroup of the OECD Working Group. This includes a description of the scope and status of related initiatives in these fields in different countries as well as consensus recommendations arising from the Sub-group. The report is one of the background documents for the final Working Group report "Facilitating International Cooperation in Non-Commercial Clinical Trials" from OECD-GSF.