What is it? Why is it important?

Non-compliance addresses the non-adherence to given instruction(s).

In a study, non-compliance are deviations from the study protocol, EC/RA requirements (e.g. Swissmedic, FOPH) , ICH GCP, study SOPs, applicable guidelines (e.g. ISO 14155), and the Swiss law.

 

Protocol non-compliance is either a protocol:

  • Deviation: Less serious accidental or unintentional non-compliance that does not significantly affect the study (e.g. participant safety, data quality)
  • Violation: More serious non-compliance, that may lead to exclusion of participants from data analysis and/or discontinuation of the study

 

Protocol non-compliance can affect participant safety and rights, and/or the quality and integrity of study data. Participants can also be non-compliant jeopardising data integrity and study outcome (e.g. not follow medication intake procedures).

In the event of persistent non-compliance at a particular study site, the SP-INV should close the site and report non-compliance to the EC/RA, as applicable.

What do I need to do?

As a SP-INV, in the event of non-compliance:

  • Perform a root cause analysis and implement appropriate corrective and preventative actions (CAPA)
  • Document all protocol deviations including reasons for the deviation in a Note-to-File or a deviation log. Date and sign the Note-to-File and keep track of deviations in an deviation applicable log. The ability to assess non-compliance and its potential impact on the study will increasingly help to explain unexpected study results
  • File both the Note-to-File and the deviation log in the TMF and/or ISF
  • Depending on the seriousness and persistence of non-compliance close the site and report to EC/RA

 

Substantial changes (amendments) in study conduct and its study protocol must, prior to implementation, be submitted to the EC/RA for approval. An exception would be safety issues that require immediate adaptations to protocol procedures. If possible, define any to be expected protocol deviations during study conduct upfront in the study protocol.

More

Participant non-compliance can significantly affect study outcome. Thus, include methods that measure or evaluate participant compliance during study conduct.

Where can I get help?

Your local CTU can support you with experienced staff regarding this topic

References

ICH GCP E6(R2) – see in particular guidelines

  • 5.18 Study monitoring
  • 5.19 Audit
  • 5.20 Non-compliance

ISO 9001:2015 (access liable to costs) – see in particular section

  • Quality Management Systems
Abbreviations
  • CAPA – Corrective and Preventative Actions
  • CTU – Clinical Trials Unit
  • EC – Ethics Committee
  • FOPH – Federal Office of Public Health
  • ICH GCP – International Council for Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice
  • ISO – International Organization for Standardization
  • ISF – Investigator Site File
  • RA – Regulatory Authorities
  • SOP – Standard Operating Procedures
  • SP-INV – Sponsor-Investigator
  • TMF – Trial Master File
Development ↦ Quality and Risk ↦ Quality Control ↦ Non-Compliance
Study
Basic

Provides some background knowledge and basic definitions

Basic Protocol
Basic Statistics
Basic Monitoring
Basic Drug or Device
Concept

Starts with a study idea

Ends after having assessed and evaluated study feasibility

Concept Protocol
Concept Statistics
Concept Drug or Device
Development

Starts with confidence that the study is feasible

Ends after having received ethics and regulatory approval

Development Protocol
Development Statistics
Development Drug or Device
Set-Up

Starts with ethics and regulatory approval

Ends after successful study initiation

Set-Up Protocol
Set-Up Ethics and Laws
Set-Up Statistics
Set-Up Quality and Risk
Set-Up Drug or Device
Conduct

Starts with participant recruitment

Ends after the last participant has completed the last study visit

Conduct Protocol
Conduct Statistics
Conduct Drug or Device
Completion

Starts with last study visit completed

Ends after study publication and archiving

Completion Protocol
Completion Statistics
Completion Drug or Device
Current Path (click to copy): Development ↦ Quality and Risk ↦ Quality Control ↦ Non-Compliance

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