There is a requirement to send progress reports to a number of interested parties throughout a trial. For example, Trial Steering Committees and Funders will require regular updates and routine reports.

Performance monitoring is a key part of the NIHR Clinical Research Network Study Support Service. A collaborative project has developed a single ‘minimum data set’ that reflects the new HRA Approval processes.  The NIHR Guidance: Minimum data set for the Performance in Initiating and Delivering Clinical Research provides further information.

An annual progress report is also sent to the ethics committee. The HRA website provides a specific Annual Progress Report Template for CTIMPs relating to completion and submission of this report. In addition, progress reports are usually required by the trial sponsor and the NHS R&D Office(s) where the trial is conducted.

Further reading:

• NIHR CRN Recruitment Policy Document