Dr. Catherine Chacin,
Spotlight on Research:
Dr. Catherine Chacin Presents at ISCORE-RC Journal Club
Dr. Catherine Chacin, a graduated from the Clinical Research Coordinator Development Program (CRCDP), led a compelling discussion at the ISCORE-RC Journal Club. Her presentation focused on a 2023 article from Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications titled:
“Clinical Research Coordinators: Key Components of an Efficient Clinical Trial Unit”
This peer-reviewed article explores the often-overlooked role of Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) and their critical contributions to the success of clinical trials.
Key Takeaways from the Article
Underrecognized Role: The CRC position remains poorly defined in many research settings, often confused with roles like Data Managers or Clinical Research Nurses.
Extensive Responsibilities: CRCs perform 34 distinct tasks in a single study—only 3 of which overlap with Data Manager duties.
High Turnover, High Cost: Recruiting and training CRCs is a major investment. Retaining them long-term is more cost-effective than frequent turnover.
Retention Factors: Strong relationships with Principal Investigators (PIs) and clear job definitions are key to job satisfaction and retention.
Challenges Faced:
- Ambiguous job roles
- Inadequate compensation
- Regulatory workload
- Lack of structured training
- Burnout Risk: Like physicians and nurses, CRCs are vulnerable to burnout, especially in academic settings with limited advancement opportunities.
Why It Matters
The article calls for a clearer definition and greater institutional support for CRCs. As more CRCs migrate to the private sector, the need for standardized roles and career development in academic research becomes increasingly urgent.
Looking Ahead
A more structured and recognized CRC role could significantly improve the quality and reliability of investigator-initiated clinical research. Dr. Chacin’s presentation emphasized the importance of elevating this essential role within the research
Become a Member
Interested in collaborating or learning more about our programs? Visit https://alliance.rcm.upr.edu/iscorerc/
Contact
Email: iscore-rc.rcm@upr.edu
Phone: 787-767-9194,
787-758-2525, ext 2173
Sponsor
ISCORE is funded by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U24GM150446).
