Study identifies the key feature for longevity in clinical study coordinator roles

Strong, collaborative relationships with key researchers are key longevity features in clinical study coordinator roles – a critical, but increasingly transitional, task of performing clinical trials that are advancing treatment, researchers found Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Danielle Buchanan, BS, clinical translation research coordinator III in the Department of Neurology, and Daniel Claassen, MD, MS, head of the Department of Cognitive Disorders and associate professor of Neurology, found that the key feature for maintaining a close working relationship between clinicians. research coordinators (CRCs) and the study’s lead investigator who emphasize respect and collaboration. Salary continued as the next factor for retention among 85 existing or current CRCs who responded to a REDCap survey sent to 113 people from more than 30 academic medical institutions across the U.S.

The results of the survey show that compensation and a clear path for professional growth were important indicators of retention among coordinators. In addition, key researchers are encouraged that establishing collegiate relationships through active participation in clinical research trials are the greatest predictors of retention.

They published results in “Empowering the Clinical Research Coordinator in Academic Medical Centers” in Mayo Clinical Events: Innovation, Quality & Outcomes.

Clinical research coordinators form the basis of research teams. For patients, they are a constant challenge over a sometimes difficult journey. We wanted to find out what it will take to make this coordinator position a role, not a step-by-step approach to another role. What will it take for coordinators to stay and thrive in an academic medical center? Can we move from an ‘inward and outward career’ to a stable position with honors that has a path in an academic system? “

Danielle Buchanan, Lead Author

“Over the past 10 years, I have seen that hiring clinical study coordinators can be a challenge for top researchers. I feel the role is stagnant, partly because there is no academic institutions have invested in the role as long – term respected positions. There is no clear path to advancement and the salary structure is not encouraged, “said Claassen.

The pair aimed to explore what forces co-ordinators to stay in the post as although the post has had a longevity in the past, it has become a one-stop shop for early career leaders. . The transition bears costs for the research team and the institution as recruitment and training are required to fill the vacancy. For patients, the reversal adds uncertainty and ignorance to their clinical trial experience, said Buchanan, who has been a coordinator for eight years.

“Ultimately, we are here for the patient, especially those with destructive diseases. When there is a reversal, it harms the patient. I put the study together because we wanted to look for the missing piece to tell us why people leave, or what makes them stay, “said Buchanan, the first author.

“I want to raise the profile of the position so that PI, administrators and supporters understand that coordinators are more than staff bees. We are ambassadors of hope for patients and families, and I would like to change the mindset that this is not a long – term career path, “said Buchanan.