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Fisher E, Thomas R, Choi I, McCauley L. What PIs want when hiring a clinical research coordinator. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e89. [PMID: 38784108 PMCID: PMC11112423 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clinical research coordinators (CRCs) play a key role in supporting the translational research enterprise, with responsibilities encompassing tasks related to the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical research trials. While the literature explores CRC competencies, job satisfaction, and retention, little attention has been given to the role of the PI working with Human Resources (HR) in the CRC hiring and onboarding processes. We investigated the priorities, decision-making processes, and satisfaction levels of principal investigators (PIs) and hiring managers in CRC hiring. Methods An online survey consisting of open-ended and fixed-choice questions to gather information on desired CRC qualifications and competencies, factors influencing hiring decisions, and overall satisfaction with selected candidates was administered. The survey utilized a Task/Competency Checklist developed from job descriptions and the literature. Respondents were asked to rank the importance of factors such as CRC skill set, years of experience, educational background, and budget constraints. Results Results indicated that the skill set of the applicant was the most frequently cited factor influencing the hiring decision, followed by years of experience. Education and budget constraints were of lesser importance. Most respondents reported a satisfaction rating of 50% or greater with their new hires, although some participants expressed challenges related to institutional training requirements, the performance of entry-level CRCs, and the qualifications of experienced candidates. Conclusion The hiring cycle involves HR-PI collaboration for a clear job description, effective onboarding processes, and accessible professional development opportunities to enhance PI and employee satisfaction and CRC retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Fisher
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Ikseon Choi
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Linda McCauley
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Lee-Chavarria D, Loucks TL, Paranal R, Sampson R, Feghali-Bostwick C. Supporting clinical research professionals through educational innovations. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1304415. [PMID: 38259267 PMCID: PMC10800862 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1304415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) are essential members of the Clinical and Translational Research Workforce. Many academic medical institutions struggle to recruit and retain these vital team members. One strategy to increase job satisfaction and promote the retention of CRPs is through educational initiatives that provide training and professional development. The South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research (SCTR) Institute Workforce Development (WD) team at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) developed several trainings as part of our larger educational portfolio for CRPs. In 2022 WD implemented a digital badge micro-credential for SCTR's Core Clinical Research Training (CCRT) course in collaboration with institution-wide education and technology offices. Beginning in January 2023, individuals were able to earn the CCRT Certified Digital Badge upon successful completion of the CCRT course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Lee-Chavarria
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Tammy L. Loucks
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Academic Affairs Faculty and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Rechelle Paranal
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Royce Sampson
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Office of Clinical Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Loucks TL, Lee-Chavarria D, Harvey J, Paranal R, Denmark S, Flume PA, Chimowitz M, Turan TN. Preparing clinicians to be site investigators in multicenter clinical trials: A training program at an academic medical center. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e167. [PMID: 37588676 PMCID: PMC10425868 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials are essential in the translation of biomedical discoveries to new clinical interventions and therapeutics. Successful multisite clinical trials require qualified site investigators with an understanding of the full spectrum of processes and requirements from trial identification through closeout. New site investigators may be deterred by competing demands on their time, the complexity of administrative and regulatory processes for trial initiation and conduct, and limited access to experienced mentor networks. We established a Clinical Trialist Training Program (CTTP) and complimentary Clinical Trials Bootcamp at our institution to address these barriers and increase the number of local site investigators enabled to lead successful clinical trials. An initial cohort of four CTTP scholars received salary support with protected time, didactic training, assistance with study identification and start-up navigation, and quarterly progress meetings. By the end of the 12-month program, this initial cohort identified 33 new trials, utilized feasibility assessments, and reported being on target to sustain their protected time from new clinical trials. Bootcamp attendees demonstrated increased knowledge of resources, offices, and processes associated with clinical trial conduct. Our results support providing compensated protected time, training, and access to experienced clinical research professionals to enable clinicians to become successful site investigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy L. Loucks
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Academic Affairs Faculty and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Diana Lee-Chavarria
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jillian Harvey
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Health Care Leadership and Management, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rechelle Paranal
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Signe Denmark
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Office of Clinical Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Patrick A. Flume
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Marc Chimowitz
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Tanya N. Turan
- South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Scott MK, Goodwin AJ, Nadig NR, Harvey JB, Kilb EF. Self-Assessment of Research Skills and Barriers to Research Careers among Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellows. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2023; 10:23821205231184704. [PMID: 37435476 PMCID: PMC10331774 DOI: 10.1177/23821205231184704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment and retention of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) trainees into academic research positions remain difficult. Factors influencing graduates, like salary and personal circumstances, remain unchangeable. However, some program-level factors, like research skill acquisition and mentorship, may be modifiable to encourage matriculation into academic research positions. OBJECTIVE We aim to identify proficiency in research-specific skills in PCCM trainees and barriers to careers as research-focused academic faculty. METHODS We surveyed PCCM fellows in a nationwide cross-sectional analysis including demographics, research intent, research skills self-assessment, and academic career barriers. The Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors approved and disseminated the survey. Data were collected and stored using the REDCap database. Descriptive statistics were used to assess survey items. RESULTS 612 fellows received the primary survey with 112 completing the survey for a response rate of 18.3%. A majority were male (56.2%) and training at university-based medical centers (89.2%). Early fellowship trainees (first-/second-year fellows) comprised 66.9% of respondents with 33.1% being late fellowship trainees (third-/fourth-year fellows). Most early trainees (63.2%) indicated they intended to incorporate research into their careers. A chi-square testing of independence was performed to examine the relationship between training level and perceived proficiency. Significant relationships in perceived proficiency were identified between early and late fellowship trainees with an absolute difference of 25.3% (manuscript writing), 18.7% (grant writing), 21.6% (study design), and 19.5% (quantitative/qualitative methodology). The most prevalent barriers were unfamiliarity with grant writing (59.5%) and research funding uncertainty (56.8%). CONCLUSION With an ongoing need for academic research faculty, this study identifies self-perceived gaps in research skills including grant writing, data analytics, and study conception and design. These skills map to fellow-identified barriers to careers in academics. Mentorship and innovative curriculum focusing on the development of key research skills may enhance academic research faculty recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg K. Scott
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrew J. Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Nandita R. Nadig
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jillian B. Harvey
- Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Edward F. Kilb
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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