What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to develop shared metrics and measures to enhance the evaluation of connecting diverse patient populations to clinical trials.

April 5, 2026

Abstract 860: Development of and consensus building towards shared metrics, measures and benchmarks for the connecting patient populations to clinical trials (CP2CT).

Key Result

The CP2CT Network established seven shared constructs for clinical trials, developing common measures for two constructs and achieving consensus among at least three of four sites for the rest.

Key Points

The aim is to develop shared metrics and measures to enhance the evaluation of connecting diverse patient populations to clinical trials.
Drafted initial metrics and benchmarks informed by literature and network site materials.
Used an online platform for collaborative feedback collection from network sites.
Held open dialogue sessions for systematic review and integration of feedback.
Refined constructs through iterative feedback cycles until final consensus was reached.
Seven constructs related to clinical trials were developed, covering various aspects like referral and accrual.
Conceptual and operational definitions, benchmarks, metrics, and measures were established for each construct.
Common measures for clinical trials accrual and knowledge were created.
At least three of four network sites achieved consensus on five of the seven constructs.

Structured PICO

Population

Four Network sites within the Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials (CP2CT) Network

Intervention

Structured, iterative, and collaborative consensus-building process

Outcome

Establishment of conceptual definitions, operational definitions, benchmarks, metrics, and measures for constructs related to clinical trial participation

A consensus-building initiative successfully developed a unified framework of shared metrics and benchmarks to evaluate efforts connecting diverse patient populations to clinical trials across a research network.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Abstract Background: Multidisciplinary research networks often face challenges in harmonizing metrics and measures across participating sites, limiting the ability to aggregate data and generate generalizable insights. To address this barrier within the Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials (CP2CT) Network, the Data, Evaluation, and Coordinating Center (DECC) coordinated the establishment of a unified framework that supports comparable evaluation and enhances the scientific impact of network-wide activities. Methods: Consensus was developed through a structured, iterative, and collaborative process: (1) drafting initial constructs, metrics, measures, and benchmarks informed by Network site materials and relevant literature; (2) soliciting qualitative and quantitative feedback from Network sites via Basecamp, an innovative online collaborative workspace for construct development; (3) conducting open dialogue sessions followed by systematic review and integration of site feedback; and (4) refining all elements through repeated feedback cycles until no further modifications were requested. Each iteration strengthened the clarity, coherence, and scientific precision of the final constructs. Results: A total of seven constructs were incorporated into the consensus-development process: clinical trials referral, clinical trials accrual, participants’ awareness of clinical trials, participants’ knowledge of clinical trials, providers’ awareness of NCI-supported clinical trials, providers’ engagement with NCI-supported clinical trials, and providers’ referral to NCI-supported clinical trials. For each construct, the Network established a conceptual definition (broad description of the construct), an operational definition (specification of how the construct is measured or observed), benchmarks (standards for assessing performance), metrics (quantitative indicators of performance), and measures (tools used to quantify inputs, processes, or outcomes). Common measures were developed for two constructs—clinical trials accrual and participants’ knowledge of clinical trials. Although full consensus was not achieved across all four Network sites for every construct, at least three sites reached consensus for the remaining five constructs. Conclusion: This consensus-building initiative resulted in the development of a unified, scientifically grounded framework. By harmonizing key elements related to clinical trial referral, accrual, awareness, knowledge, and provider engagement, the Network has established foundational tools that enable cross-site data comparability and facilitate more rigorous assessment of efforts to connect diverse patient populations to clinical trials. This framework positions the Network to inform strategies that improve equitable clinical trial participation. Citation Format: Folakemi T. Odedina, Jennifer Le-Rademacher, Robert Freimuth, Cristina Orozco, Laura Lectora, Timethia Bonner, Holly Thorson, Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials(CP2CT) Program Evaluation Work Group, Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials(CP2CT) Steering Committee. Development of and consensus building towards shared metrics, measures and benchmarks for the connecting patient populations to clinical trials (CP2CT) abstract. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 860.

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