RESEARCH COORDINATORS FOR MULTICENTRE CLINICAL TRIALS: A SPECIALISED CAREER?
B.F. Williams*.
Cardiovascular Research Unit, Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Multicentre cardiovascular clinical trials involving the participation of non-traditional investigators at community hospitals and the need to conduct trials according to good clinical research practice (GCRP) requirements have led to an increasing need for research coordinators. This study investigated the employment and professional development of cardiac research coordinators in New Zealand.
Method: Questionnaires designed to anonymously reveal the professional profile and career structure of cardiac research coordinators were mailed to 90 coordinators.
Results: Of the 66 coordinators who responded, 86% (57/66) are nurses, 74% (49/66) have coronary care or cardiology experience, 48% (32/66) have held charge, or more senior positions and 65% (41/66) are ±40 years of age. There is a large diversity in conditions for coordinators. Only 27% have full time research positions and 73% work part time or combine research coordination with a clinical position. Many complete their research duties during their usual clinical working hours or in their own unpaid time. Training, professional development and salaries are variable.
Conclusion: Although coordinators have appropriate clinical backgrounds these findings suggest that for many, research coordination is not a specialised career. This has important implications for meeting GCRP requirements and needs further investigation.
