Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What is the purpose of centralized monitoring in clinical trials?

1. To collect data from all clinical sites

2. To monitor patient recruitment rates

3. To review clinical data by examining data trends

4. To assess site staff training compliance

The correct answer is: To review clinical data by examining data trends

Centralized monitoring plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trials. Its main purpose is to review clinical data by examining data trends. This approach allows for the identification of patterns and anomalies across various sites without the need for on-site monitoring visits for every data point. By analyzing data trends, clinical trial teams can pinpoint potential issues, such as inconsistencies or unexpected results, which may indicate underlying problems with data collection or protocol adherence. Furthermore, centralized monitoring can help prioritize sites that may need additional support or intervention, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and data integrity. While other aspects like collecting data, monitoring recruitment rates, and assessing staff training compliance are important components of trial management, the key advantage of centralized monitoring lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive analysis of collected data across multiple sites, enabling more informed decision-making throughout the trial.