As we navigate through this uncertain time together, nothing is more important than the safety, health, and well-being of our staff, clients, and communities. To this end, it is not surprising that many industry events have been cancelled or postponed and most companies have implemented strict travel and work from home policies in response to this pandemic.
For many in our community, running a virtual company and managing virtual interactions are standard practice, while for others, this is unchartered territory. The rules of engagement may have changed, but for all of us in clinical research, our unwavering commitment to supporting the continuance of medical innovation and keeping clinical development programs on track remains intact.
As we adjust to our new normal, here are a few strategies to keep stakeholders engaged:
Communicate:
Open and frequent sharing of information is key to effective communication. It’s crucial to continue to seek to understand the people you will be working with and relying on throughout your product lifecycle.
Consult, early and often:
The success of any program or project is largely determined by the degree to which stakeholders’ expectations are met. Early consultation is essential to ensure that requirements are agreed upon and delivery solutions are understood and accepted by all stakeholders.
Remember, we are only human:
Operate with an awareness of human feelings and potential personal challenges. Stakeholders’ behavior, whether in support, opposition, or indifference, can determine the success or failure of a project. By understanding its root cause, you can avoid issues escalating to roadblocks and identify ways to make it easier for stakeholders to successfully contribute to the project.
Plan:
Devise a deliberate roadmap for stakeholder engagement — it’s essential and encouraged. By investing time in understanding where stakeholder power and risk resides, and planning strategies and risk mitigation, there is a better chance of achieving your desired project outcome.
The Avania team will continue to keep you informed of relevant regulatory and operational updates as they become available. We are committed to leveraging our deep bench of expertise to keep your clinical development plans on track during COVID-19. Contact us to schedule a time to meet virtually to discuss how Avania can help.
The Avania Team