A clinical research coordinator coordinates the clinical trials under the guidance of the principal investigator. The would assign a task to other members of the research team and make sure that they follow the protocol for the clinical trial, Just like having your dentist visit, and most treatment that are beyond to their knowledge they will refer all the research to their team before they laying out the best treatment for you.
What does a clinical research coordinator do?
He or she acts as a link between the monitor and the study team at a site. Their responsibilities vary from one institution to another. The CRC has the following responsibilities: Evaluating new protocols at the site, Preparation of the site for the study, Managing the conduct of the study
A good clinical research coordinator must obtain the following skills:
Perfect communication skills, attention to detail, ability to multitask, knowledge of the procedures in research, time manager, Skills on the regulatory requirement, Proficiency skills in computer and documentation
Where do clinical research coordinator work.
Clinical research coordinator works in different study sites: We have a part-time site that deals with maintaining their practice along with the conduct of the clinical trials. There is the dedicated site which is set up to conduct trials and they do not have patients. Academic sites are located in universities and teaching hospitals.
Cons and pros of a clinical research coordinator: CRC is always busy
He or she should be able to work independently
Their work remains the same although they face trials each and every day.
CRC needs to travel and conducting investigators meetings.
In order to become a CRC one should obtain a bachelor degree program that will prepare you for the CRC certificate. If you have a medical experience you may need a certificate program to work as a CRC bt if there is none then you will need an education program that covers all the required medical and research coursework in clinical research. Some of these include drug safety, clinical statistics, research ethics, and clinical research management.