The Heart Rhythm Society is exploring multiple ways to foster clinical research in heart rhythm disorders. One innovative approach that has member and clinical trial sponsor support is the concept of HRS “TrialNet.” HRS TrialNet is a network designed to incubate collaborative arrhythmia research.  To do that, HRS will create an EP practice site database that effectively links sites, research sponsors and patient advocacy organizations.  

Society members who wish to participate in clinical trials complete a profile of their practice — patient mix, volume of procedures, research infrastructure, etc.  

The profiles populate a searchable database that affords sponsor means to locate new sites to accelerate patient enrollment. Similarly the database provides an up-to-date listing of heart rhythm disorder clinical trials, which allows Society members to seek new opportunities to participate in clinical trials. 

Patients and patient advocacy organizations benefit, too — they can learn about clinical trials and find practices in their area that are enrolling patients. 

The next steps for the HRS TrialNet Working Group are to: 

• Further define the functionality of the database and how to operationalize the initiative, while building the business model to sustain such an effort;
• With Board approval, build and test the TrialNet database, while continuing to engage the research stakeholders – particularly members and the sponsors of clinical trials.
• Address the international potential for TrialNet and begin to engage members and stakeholders outside the United States.