Abstract

Translational cancer research is continuously in need of high-quality biospecimens and clinically associated data to enable research projects. While many have recognized the benefits of a process approach to manage researchers’ requests, most are less cognizant about which processes are to be considered, which sub-processes and activities are contained in each process, and how the processes interact with each other and with traditional functional silos. In order to provide a strategic and operational description of each of the four functional units of our Biospecimen Repository Facility (BRF), illustrations of the interfaces among the processes and a semi-standardized method for effective request fulfillment for development and implementation is presented. The method follows a customer service approach that integrates the BRF patient consent, biospecimen collection and distribution capabilities, operational logistics as well as the Departments of Pathology, Surgery and Clinical Data Management. The method is constantly tested and remains semi-standardized in order to be efficient, flexible to adjust based on marketing plans and changes in the oncology research land-scape, and monitored to be tracked and flagged when not meeting expected requirements. The implementation of this method has reduced wait times, ensured commitment to provide biospecimens and data based on feasibility and inventory, and researchers’ requests executed and fulfilled in an organized and efficient manner.

Publication Date

10-25-2019

Presented At:

14th Annual BHSF Research Conference

Content Type

Poster

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Open Access

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