In the research and clinical trials industry, managed and shared services play pivotal roles in enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing resources, and driving project success. Below is an explanation of the key differences and the value each model brings.

Managed services involve outsourcing specific functions or processes to a service provider who assumes full accountability for their delivery, outcomes, and optimization. The provider works independently to achieve defined performance metrics and deliverables, often operating as an integrated extension of your team.

Value in Clinical Trials:

• End-to-End Responsibility
  Managed services handle entire workflows, such as clinical trial start-up, data management, or regulatory submissions, ensuring tasks are executed in a timely and accurate fashion.
• Expertise-Driven Execution
  Providers bring specialized knowledge and best practices, reducing errors and accelerating timelines. 
• Scalability
  This model allows organizations to scale resources up or down based on pipeline needs or trial complexity.
• Focus on Core Activities
  Sites can redirect internal resources to strategic priorities, like patient enrollment and engagement.
• Example Use Case
  A site outsources back-office tasks such as billing or contracts to a managed service provider, ensuring consistent quality and efficient processes.

Shared services involve pooling resources—personnel, tools, or processes—that multiple projects or departments access as needed. 

Value in Clinical Trials:

• Cost Efficiency
  Shared services optimize costs by leveraging a centralized team or infrastructure across multiple projects or trials.
• Consistency Across Trials
  Standardized processes ensure uniformity in operations across trials, such as grant management or trial monitoring.
• Flexibility
  Sites can access resources on-demand, which is ideal for addressing temporary spikes in workload or filling skill gaps.
• Control and Collaboration
  Clients maintain oversight, making shared services an excellent choice for tasks where in-house teams and external support need to work closely.
• Example Use Case
  A site uses a shared services model to provide project management office (PMO) services across multiple ongoing trials to ensure deadlines are met, trials are activated efficiently, and organizational goals are achieved.