DEVELOPING THE CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATORS By Nancy Tan

DEVELOPING THE CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATORS By Nancy Tan, MOHH, HR & Talent Development Division

AGENDA Background to Research Staff Career Development Task Force (RSCD) Current employment status of Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) Why aren’t they staying long in the job? Proposed career development for CRCs

BACKGROUND TO RSCD Initiated by Singapore Clinical Research Institute Works started in Nov 2008 with representation from clusters, hospitals, national centres and MOHH Increasing recognition and need for well trained CRSs to support work of clinician scientists and investigators

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF CRCS

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF CRCS • On term contract or on tenure • On salary or on grants • High attrition rate • Lack of recognised, clearly defined career entry and path progression • Differing training opportunities • Unhealthy poaching amongst institutions • Competitive needs for nurses – clinical care and clinical research • Uneven salary structure and employment instability due to grant subsidy

WHY THE NEED TO CHANGE… Improved training opportunities Effective and fairer salary structure Minimise unhealthy poaching Sense of career achievement and motivation Increase stability and reduce attrition

PROPOSED CAREER PROGRESSION Assoc CRC Manager CRC Snr CRC Lead CRC

Job Scope Assoc CRC • Screens subjects • Enrols subjects and ensure compliance with procedures • Collects data • Files and documentation • Works independently • Plans, organise and coordinate workflow of the research study • Completes report and follow up on problems • Takes charge of financials • Assess subject’s condition and record medical drug history • Provide study report Qualification/ Requirements • Diploma in life science, nursing or pharmacy • Strong interpersonal skills • Knowledge of languages, dialects and regulations • Speed and accuracy • Degree in health science, nursing or pharmacy • 3 years of research expce • Proactive and strong organisational skills • Able to counsel and mentor research subjects and junior staff

Job Scope Senior CRC • Conduct on the job training for new staff • Supervision • Manage resource allocation and utilisation • Reviews workflow and SOPs • Prepares rosters • Quality checks on studies Qualification/ Requirements • Degree in health science, nursing or pharmacy • 3 years of research expce • Proactive, strong organisational skills and mature • Able to counsel and mentor research subjects and junior staff • Knowledge of trial procedures, IRB regulations for management of clinical trials

Job Scope Lead CRC • Hiring and supervision • Progress reporting • Assist PI in protocol development and grant application • Plan and research logistics and liaison with institutions and ancillary support • Budgetting Qualification/ Requirements • Degree in health science, nursing or pharmacy • 3 years of research expce • Professional certification – SOCRA • Proactive, strong organisational skills and mature • Able to counsel and mentor research subjects and junior staff • Knowledge of trial procedures, IRB regulations for management of clinical trials

Administration Organising Supervision Manage Resources and Grants Organise, Lead and Continual Improvement

PROPOSED CAREER PROGRESSION Assoc CRC Manager CRC Snr CRC Lead CRC