“The Results-based Initiative is critically important in promoting the conduct of NIH-sponsored multi-site clinical trials conducted by our partners and collaborators. It is an important step forward and has already resulted in Tufts and its affiliated institutions to be selected for several important clinical trials.”

Jonathan M. Davis, MD
Director, Trial Innovation Liaison Team

Overview

Tufts CTSI’s Multi-site Clinical Research Center (MCRC) is committed to helping our partners and collaborators to effectively leverage the services of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Consortium Trial Innovation Network (TIN) to develop investigator-initiated, multi-site research proposals of the highest quality prior to submission to funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, the MCRC is dedicating to supporting Tufts CTSI partners and collaborators in the conduct of high-profile studies originating from the TIN.

The Results-based Multi-site Study Support Initiative:

  • Catalyzes the use of TIN services to promote high-quality, multi-site study design and grow investigator-initiated research at Tufts CTSI partner and collaborator sites.
  • Increases the uptake of TIN studies and enhances investigator research experience and expertise at Tufts CTSI partner and collaborator sites.
  • Supports high-performance conduct of TIN studies to serve the public’s biomedical research needs.

Available Financial Support

To accomplish these goals, the Results-based Multi-site Study Support Initiative offers the following financial support to Tufts CTSI partners and collaborators:

  • Investigator-initiated study proposals that are submitted to, and receive, Tufts CTSI and TIN services, and are subsequently funded by a government agency or other non-profit entity are eligible for $8,140 to the lead partner or collaborator site per funded TIN-supported study. To receive this funding, sites must:
  • Tufts CTSI partner and collaborator sites that: 1) express interest; 2) identify Principal Investigators; 3) provide cohort counts through Tufts CTSI; 4) are subsequently selected as a site; and, 5) complete site activation for TIN studies are eligible for:
    • $4,000 to each selected partner site at the time of site activation.
    • $2,070 if the contract is executed within 90 days of initial receipt.
    • $2,070 if first patient is enrolled within 30 days of site activation.

To receive this funding, Tufts CTSI partner and collaborator sites must:

  • Provide cohort counts, when required, and express investigator interest to the TIN through Tufts CTSI.
  • Agree to monthly calls with the MCRC during trial conduct.
  • Work with the RRSU for recruitment plan development and other support as appropriate.

Appropriate Use of Funds

Funds distributed to Tufts CTSI partner and collaborator sites should be used to support personnel involved in study design and proposal development, quality assurance, training, education, and compliance oversight.

Funds cannot be used to:

  • Offset costs associated with the physical space required to conduct research.
  • Support staff performing specific study activities such as the conduct of participant evaluations.
  • Offset the cost of inpatient and outpatient care (e.g., imaging, labs).
  • Offset other direct costs already supported by the study budget offset operating costs covered by Facilities and Administrative (F&A) or indirect revenues.

Reimbursement Process

Tufts CTSI will establish a master agreement with all eligible institutions to expedite separate billing contracts for each PI leading a proposal that receive TIN services and is subsequently funded by a government agency or other non-profit entity, and/or is selected as a site and completes site activation for studies managed by the CTSA Consortium through the TIN. Sites will invoice Tufts CTSI for payment when a study milestone is completed.

Who is eligible?

Tufts CTSI partners and collaborators that conduct clinical research are eligible for financial support.

To Learn More

Principal Investigators from Tufts CTSI partners and collaborator sites who are interested in receiving support from this initiative should submit a service request form (please check the “Trial Innovation Network” box, found under “Consultation). Questions may be directed to Timothy Bilodeau, MBA, Program Administrative Director, Multi-site Clinical Research Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a site eligible for reimbursement if they engage with the Trial Innovation Network through a different CTSA (i.e., through an institution other than Tufts CTSI)? 

No.  To be eligible for reimbursement the investigator/study team are required to engaged with the TIN through Tufts CTSI.

Contact

Click here to submit a Service Request.