Wake Forest StrokeNet - ABSTRACT The Western NC StrokeNet Regional Coordinating Center (RCC) has been a high-performing site since 2018, with 206 participants enrolled (as of 1/17/23) in 12 of 13 ongoing trials, 85% retention of diverse participants (28% African American, 2.5% American Indian/Alaska Native), and trials that were launched quickly (average 105 days from activation to first subject randomized, shortest time 7 days). We are a top enroller for MOST (20), SATURN (11), and ASPIRE (7). Our Career Enhancement and Training Program has successfully trained 3 academically productive fellows, with 11 publications, 32 presentations at scientific meetings, and recognition by the NCC Education Core. In 2020, Wake Forest Baptist merged with Atrium Health, and in 2022, Advocate Aurora merged with Atrium to become the 2nd largest health system in the US with a medical school (WFUSM is the academic core). With expansion of our network, we are now the Wake Forest StrokeNet. The clinical performance sites for this renewal include Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (RCC), Novant Forsyth Medical Center, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte), Carolinas Rehab (Charlotte), Eastern Carolina University (Greenville, NC), Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, NC), Advocate Christ Hospital (Chicago), and Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center (Milwaukee). Our catchment includes the majority of NC including the Stroke Buckle, much of the Stroke Belt (SC, GA, AL), and urban cities in WI and IL (over 6,500 stroke patients discharged in 2022), covering populations from broad socioeconomic, urban and rural geographies, often not enrolled in clinical trials. Wake Forest investigators have designed and conducted first-in-human, phase II, III, pragmatic, and comparative effectiveness trials. We have experienced stroke leadership at the RCC, with Dr. Bushnell (neurology) and Dr. Wolfe (vascular neurosurgery) as MPIs, and Drs. Baldwin and Ezzeddine (Neurology) as co-Is, as well as a seasoned StrokeNet project manager, Erika Bayne, who will assist the partnering sites with trial selection, startup, and operations to meet the goals of efficiency and enrollment with StrokeNet clinical trials. We have partnered with a successful community outreach program (Triad Pastor’s Network) and added a Patient and Participant Advisory Board that will review protocols, consents, and trial performance. Our goal is to be the leading SN RCC enrolling primarily in the Southeast US, with diverse stroke patients into SN trials, bringing important scientific discoveries to the SN network. We will achieve the following: AIM 1: To continue to expand successful enrollment and retention of participants in StrokeNet trials from our geographically, ethnically, economically, and historically underserved catchment areas. AIM 2: To collaborate with our interdisciplinary team to design and propose new StrokeNet treatment, prevention, recovery trials. AIM 3: To continue to train the next generation of stroke clinical trialists and researchers. AIM 4: Develop community outreach programs to engage rural and urban communities in our expanded referral regions in StrokeNet trials. NARRATIVE Clinical trials for stroke treatments should include patients who represent all communities, including those from communities who often lack opportunities to participate. The highly successful Wake Forest StrokeNet has grown as a regional network that 1) includes multiple hospitals across the entire state of NC, across the borders of neighboring states, and recently WI and IL; 2) serves diverse race-ethnic, urban, and rural populations, and 3) is committed to improving clinical trial success by connecting with communities to advance stroke care. We have the leadership, experience, and passion to continue to positively impact StrokeNet clinical trials focused on acute stroke treatment, stroke prevention, and stroke rehabilitation and recovery.
