POS-ARI-ER study team gets together for the site initiation visit

The POS-ARI-ER study, sponsored by the European Clinical Research Alliance on Infectious Diseases (Ecraid) Foundation, is a perpetual, observational study (POS) designed to provide comprehensive data for the clinical characterisation of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in adults presenting to hospital settings across Europe.

Study Background

Within the core study, the primary objective is the accurate characterisation of ARI cases presenting to acute hospital services, including emergency departments and acute medical assessment units, throughout Europe. Characterisation efforts will specifically capture routine diagnostic methodologies (laboratory and point-of-care tests) and pharmacological treatments implemented by participating centres for ARI management. Data collection employs standardised report forms to record clinical, laboratory, and prescribing details systematically. The study population includes patients admitted to hospitals and individuals discharged on the same day from emergency departments or acute medical units.

Site Initiation Visit

On the 24th of February 2025, the online Site Initiation Visit (SIV) for the POS-ARI-ER study was conducted. The primary aim of this meeting was to inform and thoroughly train the study team regarding all aspects and procedures of the POS-ARI-ER study. The training addressed critical areas, including study protocol overview, patient recruitment and follow-up processes, data collection procedures, protocol deviation management, pharmacovigilance considerations, and electronic case report forms (eCRF). Additionally, essential documentation and compliance requirements were reviewed to ensure the site’s readiness for initiating subject enrolment. The study sponsor, University Medical Center Utrecht coordinated and delivered the online session, ensuring comprehensive preparedness for the study’s execution.

The ECRAID-Base Project (GA: 965313) aims to establish an independent pan-European clinical research network which will generate scientific evidence focused on improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The project will involve six perpetual observational studies (POS) across Europe; some of them conducted in intensive care, emergency care and primary care settings and related to different infectious diseases, all of them with the opportunity of integrating clinical research trials and developing into an adaptive platform trial. The common aim is the promptly respond to future public health threats.

Find out more here: https://www.id-care.net/projects/ecraid-base