Update on Clinical and Community Research Activities

January 22, 2021

Dear Clinical and Community Research Colleagues,

The Colorado COVID dial has changed to Orange for the counties that surround campus (Tri-County area: Adams, Arapahoe, and Denver). The infection rates in these counties have declined since their peak in late November to early December.

Therefore, clinical research will now return to previous COVID Orange restrictions: review and scheduling of research visits for Groups 1-4 and 5b. 

This change is effective Monday, January 25, for studies that have already been approved to resume research activity through the CU Anschutz Medical Campus research restart portal or the UCHealth restart process. 

Studies in any group that have not received prior research restart approval need to apply through the CU Anschutz Medical Campus research restart portal or UCHealth application process, as appropriate, before undertaking any in-person clinical research activity. 

Studies in Groups 1-4 and 5b that have previously been approved to resume research protocols do not need to reapply to restart approved activities. Groups 5a, c, d, and e are still restricted. The impact of easing of restrictions will be carefully monitored before any decision regarding opening of Groups 5a, c, d, and e will be made.

Due to the high volume of ongoing COVID vaccine and treatment trials, scheduling capacity at the UCHealth CTRC remains limited. All CTRC studies that have been previously approved through the CU Anschutz Medical Campus research restart portal will be reopened in the CTRC Scheduler at 10am on Friday, February 5 for appointments beginning Monday, February 15. 

UCHealth inpatient CTRC is accepting appointments for Groups 1 and 2a-d only and UCHealth outpatient CTRC users might find limited times available for scheduling. Refer to the CCTSI Research Restart website for full details. 

Exemptions to continue clinical research impacted by the pause on research activity can be made - 

• For clinical research activity at CHCO and CU Anschutz via the CU Anschutz Medical Campus research restart portal
• For clinical research activity at UCHealth via email at UCH-ResearchAdmin@uchealth.org

Activity that requires face-to-face contact in the community for research purposes can still apply to re-activate following the process detailed specific for COVID community & off-campus research.  

Please be aware that some locations may be limited for clinical research activity based on capacity restrictions due to COVID regardless of study groupings. Please check directly with the location in which you are performing research for such restrictions. The CU Anschutz Medical Campus leadership will continue to monitor statewide and local COVID dial status and other data to make future adjustments in clinical research restrictions as the data warrant.

All those on campus, including those who have been vaccinated, must continue to follow established COVID protocols:

• Complete the daily health questionnaire.
• Bring and wear a mask at all times.
• Check in at a designated screening location and obtain a wristband daily.
• Self-report if you become symptomatic, test positive or may have been exposed.

Anyone who has concerns about COVID-related safety violations can use the EHS anonymous reporting form as the health and safety of all individuals on campus is of the utmost importance.

Sincerely,

Thomas Flaig, MD
Vice Chancellor for Research
University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus