Clinical Trial Services Office (CTSO)
Trial Coordination Unit (TCU)
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Coming soon!
Officially launching fall 2026
The Trial Coordination Unit (TCU) is the Clinical Trial Services Office's dedicated service for industry-sponsored clinical trial start-up at The Ottawa Hospital, providing optional centralized support from trial opportunity through study activation.
Overview
The Trial Coordination Unit (TCU) delivers the Clinical Trial Services Office’s (CTSO) optional, centralized start-up services for industry-sponsored clinical trials at The Ottawa Hospital.
Operated by clinical research staff and specialists, the TCU provides coordinated support across two key areas of study start-up: site selection and study activation. Services include feasibility review, sponsor qualification, ethics coordination, budget and contract support, departmental engagement, and activation readiness activities.
Flexible service options range from targeted, task-based support to comprehensive, end-to-end management, helping provide a coordinated and consistent pathway to study activation. Please see Service options and cost below for details on the service options available.
Getting started
To get started: Submit the CTSO Intake Form*, which captures protocol details, timelines, and operational needs.
*only available internally
Submit CTSO Intake Form
When TCU services are selected within the CTSO intake form, an email confirmation will be sent to the submitter with a booking link to schedule the Initial Consultation with TCU.
TCU Reviews Submission
TCU will review the initial intake submission to confirm service eligibility, assess study requirements, and identify any discussion points for the Initial Consultation.
Initial Consultation Meeting
TCU and the Investigator and/or Study Team meet to review the study's needs and determine the most appropriate level of support.
Review and Sign Service Plan
TCU will prepare a Service Plan outlining the agreed-upon services based on the Initial Consultation. Once the Service Plan is approved and signed, study support can begin.
Kickoff Meeting
The Kickoff Meeting provides an opportunity to review study requirements, discuss institutional considerations, and establish communication expectations, including meeting frequency and key milestones.
Service Delivery Begins
With goals aligned and expectations established, TCU begins delivering coordinated support tailored to your study's needs.
How we support your study
Site selection services
Study activation services
Service options and cost
Choose between two service options depending on the level of support required: Tailored Activation Activities or Full-Service Activation Package.
Tailored Activation Activities | Full-Service Activation Package | |
What it is | Flexible support for specific start-up activities based on your study needs. | Complete, end-to-end coordination from site selection through study activation. |
Best for | Investigators/teams with existing start-up capacity that need additional expertise or support. | Investigators/teams seeking comprehensive, single point of coordination through study start-up.2 |
Cost1 | Custom quote provided following intake and consultation. Billed based on services provided using institutional salary-based rates. | Funded through negotiated sponsor start-up funding. |
1 Billing occurs at study handoff.
2 Full Service Activation timelines depend on sponsor responsiveness and departmental requirements.
Need help deciding?
CTSO will help determine the most appropriate level of support during the intake and consultation process.
View the CTSO Service Catalogue on IRISGuide* to review a comprehensive, detailed description of available service options.
*only available internally
Contact us
Your partner in clinical trial success
Supporting investigators, sponsors, and research teams through every stage of clinical trial activation.
Ready to get started? Contact us!