The Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Network

October 2010

Johns Hopkins formed a Clinical Research Network (JHCRN) in 2009.  Through the JHCRN, Johns Hopkins will strengthen the research infrastructure of community hospital affiliates, and in the process, extend to a growing number of patients the opportunity to participate in Johns Hopkins studies conducted in their own communities by their own physicians.

The inaugural affiliate in 2009 was the Anne Arundel Health System Research Institute (AAHSRI) .   The Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) joined the JHCRN in November 2009.  Participation in the network allows JHM IRB reviewed and approved research to be conducted at AAHSRI and/or GBMC.  AAHSRI and GBMC have retained their local IRB systems to review protocols initiated and conducted solely at their facilities, and under terms of the JHCRN they have agreed to accept the JHM IRB reviews for designated protocols.

There are two dedicated JHCRN Network Coordinators available to facilitate the review and approval process for JHM research to be conducted at AAHSRI and GBMC.  The coordinators receive a notice from the eIRB system when AAHSRI or GBMC are marked as a possible study site.  Consent documents for JHM IRB approved research must contain local contact information for AAHSRI and GBMC, and the JHM Model Informed Consent Template contains the information to include for each hospital system.

The JHCRN Network Coordinator for AAHSRI is Sandra Schaefer, BSN, RN, OCN, who may be reached at 410-614-3497 sschaef5@jhmi.edu .

The JHCRN Network Coordinator for GBMC is Cynthia MacInnis, BS, CCRP, who may be reached at 443-226-1788 cmacinn1@jhmi.edu .

NOTE:  If you are considering expanding your JHM IRB approved research to a JHCRN affiliate site, please consider contacting one of the Network Coordinators to discuss the protocol before submitting the request for IRB approval.  They will be able to facilitate the post-JHM IRB approval steps required to have the research reviewed for collaboration with the JHCRN.

Questions about the terms of the JHCRN agreement should be referred to the Vice Dean for Clinical Investigation, Dr. Daniel Ford.