As a precautionary measure, in the continuous efforts to limit the spreading of the COVID-19 outbreak, and to shelter patients as well as healthcare staff, external personnel are given restricted access to hospitals, which consequently affects monitoring, auditing and inspections of ongoing clinical trials.
This was reported in a press release from Legemiddelindustrien (LMI) and Oslo Cancer Cluster.
A temporary halt in patient recruitment for new clinical trials
The restrictions – which also include a temporary halt in patient recruitment for new clinical trials – are implemented at all large hospitals nation-wide and include a provisional standstill in monitoring of ongoing research, as well, consequently delaying its outcomes.
The precautionary measures taken are in no way related to which studies that are ongoing, which treatment that is researched, or which company that is responsible for conducting it.
Ongoing dialogue
LMI have contacted the health authorities, requesting advice as to how their members should relate to health personnel and hospital contact, but are yet to receive any information.
LMI, Oslo Cancer Cluster and their members have introduced their own precautionary restrictions for their employees, aiming to limit the risk of spreading the virus and to allow health personnel to prioritize according to the current, extraordinary needs. LMI and Oslo Cancer Cluster will continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage both members and non-members to report any restrictions they might receive, they state.
