October 3, 2024 – The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Site Spark Award, DM Clinical Research.
DM Clinical Research implemented an AI-powered central patient recruitment model, dubbed Ava, designed to engage with patients 24/7 through voice and text. Ava can simultaneously screen patients for eligibility across multiple studies at the same time across multiple therapeutic areas while scheduling appointments at the appropriate clinic. In a nationwide rollout across DM Clinical sites, Ava delivered significant improvements in efficiency and patient access, increasing booking rates by 13% while maintaining high patient experience.
DM Clinical Research accepting the 2024 Site Spark Award
Zohair Harianawala, Chief Strategy Officer at DM Clinical Research shared, “We are honored to be recognized with the Site Spark award for our innovative AI-enhanced approach to patient recruitment. At DM Clinical Research, improving patient access to clinical trials is at the core of our mission. We believe in the transformative potential of AI for clinical trials, and it is both thrilling and inspiring to see an idea evolve from concept to large-scale implementation, driving measurable impact. Our virtual recruitment advisor, Ava, personifies the knowledgeable, approachable, and personalized experience we aim to offer potential patients.”
Jimmy Bechtel, SCRS Vice President of Site Engagement, shared his excitement, stating, “The Site Spark Award isn’t just a recognition of innovation—it’s a testament to the heart and soul of clinical research. Research sites are the foundation of our industry, and their ability to adapt to new challenges, while remaining focused on patients, is critical to advancing clinical research. These initiatives, led by passionate teams, not only meet the evolving needs of today’s clinical research landscape but also set a higher standard for the entire industry. Congratulations to DM Clinical for their outstanding achievement—your work is paving the way for a more efficient, equitable, and patient-focused future.”
Sponsored by Pfizer, the Site Spark Award celebrates the extraordinary efforts of research sites that implement groundbreaking methods to operationalize clinical trials. Formed by merging the Site Tank and Site Patient Recruitment Innovation (SPRIA) Awards, the Site Spark Award highlights creativity, resourcefulness, and the proactive nature of research sites. Whether it be through the development of unique patient recruitment strategies, embracing state-of-the-art technology, or fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in their practices, the award honors the spark of ingenuity that elevates clinical research.
The 2024 finalists included Ascension St. John Clinical Research Institute, DM Clinical Research, and Research Works, who presented their ideas to an audience of 1,600 clinical research industry professionals at the 2024 Global Site Solutions Summit in Hollywood, Florida. Learn more about the Site Spark Award and Global Site Solutions Summit at sitesolutionssummit.com.
About the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS)
The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to unifying the voice of the global clinical research site community. Representing more than 11,000 research sites in 54 countries, SCRS facilitates industry collaborations and conversations dedicated to site-focused advocacy, education, mentorship, and connection. SCRS is an active and influential champion for sites in industry initiatives to ensure that the perspective of sites is heard and valued. Learn more and get involved at myscrs.org. Our voice. Our community. Your success.
