Recently, a group of US and Italian employees from the Dompé R&D Clinical operation team headed to Italy to participate in a project management course, and they returned brimming with new insights and innovative approaches. As Elizabeth Gavioli, Preregistration Scientific Liaison Director, put it, “This experience has equipped the team and myself with the tools necessary for the evolution of the research and development team.”

For Beth Butler, Director of Clinical Operations, the training also provided an important opportunity to further strengthen team relations. “I was able to connect directly with the team, including project managers, project directors, and clinical development colleagues”, she reflected. “I not only strengthened my knowledge of project management concepts, I was also able to gain additional perspective from the other members.”

A personalized approach

The course was far-reaching and designed specifically to meet the needs of Dompé employees, in line with company’s commitment to invest in developing researchers' skills to better meet patient's needs. Topics ranged from project set-up and careful analysis to risk assessment. Crucial considerations for scientists around the impact of research was a key aspect, as was advice for comprehensively planning essential milestones and target dates in an informed way, where their feasibility was carefully – and continually – analyzed.

For Butler, good training requires “clear, concise information with strong theoretical backing.” And this seven days course met her expectations “to understand why we do things the way we do them is essential – being able to walk away from training with the knowledge, tools, and skills to apply to our job immediately”, she said, adding that now she’s back in her day-to-day role, she notes how the training has “positively impacted our daily work.”

Communication concepts

Transparent communication with stakeholders, and the willingness – and techniques needed – to explore potential outcomes via what-if scenarios was covered, to help employees better predict both positive and potentially negative effects on project objectives. Again, this was appreciated by Butler: “I think it is essential as a team to have this formal education that supports our daily work and connects us to explore how to work better and support each other based on real-life experiences”, she said.

Team members were also provided with tools and techniques to achieve seamless planning; exploring how to make accurate and achievable performance indicators and targets early in projects Gavioli will be taking all of this on board with her team: “We will adopt new tools for managing risk assessments, such as evaluating risks as early as the protocol-writing stage. Moreover, I will prioritize cross-functional communication among all stakeholders by implementing cohesive team plans. I've also gained valuable insights into practical activities and resource planning to achieve milestones and meet expected timelines for our clinical trials,” she said.

Patients at the core

There was also, of course, special focus on ensuring human subject protection and the reliability of trial results, pre-empting and addressing challenges and emphasis on keeping everyone updated and informed, to proactively addressing any deviations or challenges that may crop up. This matters to Dompé employees: “Our motivation stems from the awareness that individuals, patients and loved ones, suffer from various diseases,” says Gavioli. “As a team, through clinical trials, we have the opportunity to bridge the gap between science and the potential for new therapeutics. This opportunity to transform lives is profoundly rewarding.”

There was also space for a more relaxed approach within the course: “The recreational team-building activities allowed for camaraderie amongst the team and allowed us to have fun, making this experience extra special,” says Butler.

Lifelong learning

Both Butler and Gavioli see continuous training as a must, and appreciate it’s something that Dompé prioritizes. “In addition to ever-changing regulations and guidance on a global scale, there are new medications, treatments, ways of working better, and new discoveries of technology to treat patients,” says Butler. “Every opportunity to test and observe is a chance to understand better how a disease works and how we can improve not only on the current treatment of patients but also for future patients.”

Those who attended the course return to their offices, labs  – and teams – with renewed focus. As a science-driven company working tirelessly to address patients’ medical needs, training will always be part of Dompé’s offering, because we know that it translates to better results for everybody.