What is site ranking?
Site ranking refers to the structured assessment of clinical trial sites using predefined performance criteria to determine their relative suitability for future studies. Common ranking factors include patient enrollment rates, retention, protocol adherence, data accuracy, audit history, and investigator experience. Site ranking may also consider geographic distribution, therapeutic expertise, and previous collaboration success.
Why is site ranking important in clinical development?
Accurate site ranking helps pharmaceutical and clinical research teams select the most capable and reliable sites for new trials, improving the likelihood of on-time, high-quality study execution. It enables data-driven feasibility planning, reduces operational risk, and optimizes resource allocation. Site ranking also supports long-term relationship management by identifying high-performing partners and uncovering areas for site-level improvement. Ultimately, it contributes to faster trial delivery and more robust clinical outcomes.