Daniel J. Clauw, MD

In the flare of scientific exchange at the start of the pandemic, many articles were fast-tracked to provide insight on the findings seen in the clinical management of COVID-19 as cases grew - including papers on management of acute pain and the possible risk of worsened survival. Retraction rates of published science during the first wave was high.

How has basic and clinical research been affected by the pandemic? Many scientists were no longer able to enter their laboratories for more than a short time and many experiments had to be put on hold. Funding priorities for research changed, and some laboratories quickly changed their primary research focus. Clinical trials, which traditionally rely on intensive in-person contact, had to change to a more virtual paradigm. Tools for remotely obtaining informed consent, self-measurement techniques, fully virtual efficacy and safety monitoring, and even contactless delivery of investigational agents have been employed.