Implementing a Clinical Research Department to Support Pediatric Studies: A SWOT Analysis

Alexandra Thajer, Margit Sommersguter-Reichmann and Henriette Löffler-Stastka
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Alexandra Thajer: Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
Margit Sommersguter-Reichmann: Department of Finance, Karl-Franzens University Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
Henriette Löffler-Stastka: Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of most drugs used in pediatrics have not been studied in different age groups and are administered “off-label use”. Clinical pediatric drug trials require specific and stringent compliance with laws, regulations, guidelines, and patient/parent/public involvement, which in turn increases resource use and makes support useful from a medical, qualitative, economic, and system perspective. We examined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of implementing a Research Department for the Support of Pediatric Studies (RDPS) in Vienna. We used the SWOT (“strengths”, “weaknesses”, “opportunities”, and “threats”) analysis to collect comprehensive data and facts on the internal strengths, weaknesses (company analysis), and external opportunities and threats (environmental analysis). The company analysis revealed a productivity gain, due to a highly specialized team and standardized processes. The environmental analysis outlined a considerable 360-degree potential for a qualitative and quantitative medical- and social-scientific expansion of the service portfolio. The establishment of a RDPS leads to the centralization of pediatric studies by bundling tasks and concentration of specialist knowledge, which enables the exploitation of synergies, the standardization of processes, the promotion of professionalism, flexibility, innovations and the reduction of inefficiencies in the form of duplication of tasks. RDPS offers tailored advice and support for different types of pediatric studies.

Keywords: SWOT analysis; pediatric studies; company analysis; environmental analysis; general environment; task environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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