International co-operation in research: An opportunity to educate collaborators

Every research study requires a sound design, careful planning, good management and proper analysis. In some cases, a study is conducted in multiple sites and possibly in different countries, often in order to increase the study sample size or to compare and contrast different study populations. Multi-center studies require co-investigators and research staff not only knowledgeable about the study protocol, but that understand the reasons behind the various methodologies. Ideally, co-investigators should be involved in the development of the protocol in order to be fully vested in it, but often this may not be possible. In addition, collaborating staff at the various sites are usually not in a position to contribute to the protocol, but are the key personnel in its implementation.