Why you should read this article:

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To recognise the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic for clinical trials

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To learn how one children’s clinical research facility adapted to change during the COVID-19 pandemic

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To acknowledge the positive effects of some of the new ways of working developed during the pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected almost every aspect of healthcare, including research. Many ongoing clinical trials were paused or adjusted to the new circumstances, the safety of all involved and patient outcomes being central concerns. Upcoming trials were put on hold and new trials were quickly designed and conducted to investigate COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

This article is a reflection on the effects of the pandemic on the work of a children’s clinical research facility in the UK and how some of these effects were mitigated. It describes the adaptations made to the delivery of study interventions and to staff’s ways of working, showing that some of the changes prompted by the pandemic had positive effects that will extend beyond. While this article relates to a single children’s research facility, many of the lessons learned can be applied more widely in research and clinical care settings.