How to Keep Clinical Trials Running During Difficult Times: Practical Lessons from Israel
- limorrozner
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Even under difficult conditions, Pharma Clinical continues to manage clinical trials with minimal disruption. Over the years, we’ve developed practical strategies and flexible workflows that allow us to maintain trial operations during complex situations—whether during periods of conflict or during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of June 13th, Israel is experiencing an extended state of emergency. Most people are staying at home, commercial air traffic is suspended, and only essential services are functioning. Hospitals continue to operate but with adjusted priorities, and logistical services are working under significant constraints.
Still, patients need care. Studies must continue. And trial teams must adapt.
Here are ten examples we’re currently implementing—together with medical centers and sponsors—based on accumulated experience and real-world practice, to keep trials on track:
Remote Oversight Keeps Trials on Track
Project Managers continue to lead trial activities from home, maintaining regular contact with sponsors and sites, and keeping all timelines and documentation up to date.
Remote Visits Are a Reliable Alternative
When access to a site becomes limited, we shift to virtual site visits. For example, an upcoming initiation visit at a large hospital is already being prepared for remote execution, depending on site readiness, willingness and safety assessments. Virtual visits are now a well-integrated part of our operational toolkit.
Daily Communication with Sites and PIs
In an ongoing study, our team reached out to multiple sites to check on patient attendance and drug supply. In cases where patients were unable to attend, we arranged medication delivery to their homes using certified couriers, based on site approval and sponsor guidance.
Ongoing Recruitment with Courier-Based Sample Storage
In a trial conducted across multiple hospitals for an international sponsor, recruitment continues even though lab samples cannot yet be shipped abroad. Genetic testing kits are safely stored by the courier under validated conditions until shipping becomes possible. Just this week, two new participants were enrolled at one of the participating centers.
Parallel Local and Central Lab Processing
In a Phase I trial at a central Israeli hospital, patients continue to attend follow-up visits. Blood samples are processed locally for immediate clinical use, while duplicates for the central lab are preserved with the courier under room temperature conditions and will be shipped when possible.
Screening Continues Despite Mobility Challenges
In another study conducted at a major hospital, screening procedures for new participants were successfully completed this week—even for patients who had limited ability to travel to the site due to current security and transportation constraints.
PM and PI Coordination Enables Rapid Adjustments
Our PMs and the Principal Investigators in the medical centers stay in close contact to address emerging issues, reschedule appointments, and respond quickly to changes—all while ensuring adherence to protocol and participant safety.
Contingency Planning Is Built into the Process
Alternative visit formats, extended sample holding periods, and home delivery options are integrated into our workflows from the outset, not just activated in times of crisis.
Recruitment Proceeds with Flexibility
Based on sponsor guidance and local site capacity, patient enrolment continues where feasible. This flexible approach allows progress to continue even when certain procedures or logistics are temporarily limited.
Patient Experience Remains Central
Every adaptation—from courier logistics to visit scheduling—is made with the patient in mind. Our goal is to preserve the continuity of care and ensure each participant’s experience remains as stable and safe as possible.
We’re sharing these examples not as a blueprint, but as a reflection of how trials can remain active and resilient even under challenging conditions. In every case, it’s the combination of preparation, communication, and flexibility that makes the difference.
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