The 2025 Veeva R&D and Quality Summit showcased the transformative potential of Veeva Site Connect in clinical trials, with industry leaders from AstraZeneca and GSK sharing insights on overcoming implementation challenges and enhancing site collaboration. The panel highlighted strategic approaches to system integration, the importance of site engagement, and the future of clinical trial management, underscoring the platform’s role in streamlining operations and improving trial quality.
Overcoming Challenges while Implementing Site Connect
AstraZeneca and GSK overcame organizational challenges in implementing Veeva Site Connect, as they navigated complex processes across sites and external systems. AstraZeneca’s Marta Jureczko-Hinzmann described the intricate task of synchronizing the platform with their patient safety database, which involved updating processes across 445 sites and managing transitions for over 18 ongoing studies. This required a robust change management strategy to ensure compliance and smooth adoption, given the diverse regulatory environments in which each site operated. Meanwhile, GSK’s Thomas Boubal highlighted the need to address compliance and efficiency issues, aiming to streamline operations by reducing administrative burdens and consolidating multiple custom systems. This consolidation was crucial for improving site collaboration and enhancing the overall efficiency of clinical trials.
Strategic Approaches to Implementation
AstraZeneca and GSK adopted distinct strategies for implementing Veeva Site Connect, tailored to their organizational needs. AstraZeneca chose a comprehensive rollout, implementing the platform across all ongoing studies simultaneously. This approach required extensive training and significant effort to integrate the new system with existing processes, driven by the desire to maintain consistency and avoid the complexities of parallel systems. In contrast, GSK opted for a phased implementation, starting with a pilot phase to test the system on a smaller scale. This allowed GSK to identify potential issues and refine the system before a full-scale rollout, mitigating risks and ensuring a smoother transition. Both companies, despite their varying approaches, demonstrated that a well-planned strategy is key to successfully integrating new technologies into clinical trial processes.
Enhancing Site Collaboration and Engagement
Enhancing site collaboration and engagement was a central theme of the panel discussion. Veeva Site Connect offers a centralized hub for sites to access, review, and manage trial-related information, significantly reducing reliance on manual processes and email communication. This digital collaboration streamlines operations and improves the experience for investigators and site personnel. GSK reported a high adoption rate among sites, with many expressing a preference for participating in studies utilizing Veeva Site Connect. Site adoption was widely accepted, as the platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive features facilitate efficient communication between sponsors and sites, thereby reducing administrative burdens and enabling site personnel to focus on the critical aspects of clinical research. This enhanced collaboration is expected to drive further efficiencies and improve trial quality.
Lessons Learned and Future Directions
The panelists shared valuable insights and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of planning for post-go-live monitoring and feedback collection. Establishing clear metrics for measuring success and identifying areas for improvement is essential for ensuring the system remains effective and meets evolving user needs. Looking ahead, the panelists expressed optimism about Veeva Site Connect’s potential to revolutionize clinical trial management. By providing a robust platform for data sharing and collaboration, Veeva Site Connect empowers sites to take greater responsibility for their data and processes, enhancing trial efficiency and effectiveness. The panelists also stressed the importance of future-proofing the system by aligning with industry trends and technological advancements, positioning AstraZeneca and GSK to lead the way in transforming clinical trial management.
Summary
This panel exemplified the transformative impact of Veeva Site Connect on clinical trials, highlighting its role in streamlining operations and enhancing site collaboration, but change management must be planned to ensure successful technology rollout. By adopting strategic implementation approaches and focusing on site engagement, AstraZeneca and GSK are setting new standards for clinical trial management. As the industry continues to evolve, Veeva Site Connect’s capabilities position it as a pivotal tool in advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.
This article is sponsored by Veeva
Moe Alsumidaie is Chief Editor of The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Moe holds decades of experience in the clinical trials industry. Moe also serves as Head of Research at CliniBiz and Chief Data Scientist at Annex Clinical Corporation.
