Clinical research in Mbarara
To conduct this research, Epicentre works closely with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). An experienced multidisciplinary team is permanently based at the research site and ensures that clinical studies are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP*).
The work carried out at the center has helped generate critical scientific data to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of several diseases, and has contributed to the development of national and international public health recommendations.
Expertise covering the entire clinical research cycle
The center possesses all the necessary expertise to conduct clinical trials, from study preparation through analysis and interpretation of results.
Medical, study coordination and scientific oversight
Clinical researchers provide study coordination and medical oversight and ensure compliance with research protocols, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practices. They support participants at every stage of the trial andconduct the assessments. They guarantee the quality of care and the scientific rigor of the work conducted, the safety of participants, and the reliability of the data collected.
Nursing care and participant monitoring
Research nurses provide clinical care for participants throughout their participation in the study. They obtain informed consent, specified in the protocols, collect biological samples, administer treatments when necessary, monitor participants in accordance with protocol requirements and ensure the quality and traceability of the data collected.
Community engagement
Community engagement is a central pillar of the center’s work. Dedicated teams maintain an ongoing dialogue with communities to promote free, voluntary, and informed participation in research. They help enhance understanding of the studies, build trust, and develop information and consent documents tailored to the local context.
Quality assurance and monitoring
Monitoring teams ensure that trials are conducted in accordance with approved protocols, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). They verify data quality, adherence to research procedures, and participant protection, while identifying and correcting any deviations.
Data management and control
A specialized team composed of data managers, quality controllers, and a data management lead oversees the entire lifecycle of research data. It ensures the data’s quality, integrity, security, and confidentiality, in accordance with regulatory requirements and international standards for clinical data management.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy ensures the receipt, storage, traceability, and dispensing of investigational products under conditions that meet regulatory requirements and study protocols. It also ensures the continuous availability of treatments used in trials.
Logistics and operations
The logistics department provides essential support for conducting research. In particular, it manages local and international procurement, the transportation of participants and samples, the fleet of vehicles, equipment tracking, infrastructure security, and the well-being of staff and participants.
All of these capabilities enable the center to conduct complex clinical trials in accordance with the highest international standards. Each study is based on a constant commitment to scientific quality, participant safety, data integrity, and adherence to the ethical principles governing clinical research.
* GCP (Good Clinical Practice): a set of international standards ensuring the scientific and ethical quality of clinical trials, as well as the protection of participants.
