Clinical research assistant

SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator(s) and Clinical Research Coordinator, assist in recruitment, acquisition, and analysis of patient information for multiple clinical research projects. Interviews patients to gather information, prepares and maintains study record, enters data via computer, performs statistical analyses of resultant data. Participates in qualitative/quantitative analyses of resultant data. Reviews relevant literature to gather information; may participate in development of research protocols. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides assistance to Principal Investigators to coordinate clinical research activities related to department’s field of study and investigators specific study.

• A.) Assists research physician in identification and follow up of patients meeting criteria for inclusion in clinical research studies; ensures protocol eligibility requirements are met.
• B.) Establishes and/or maintains study record for each participant. Interviews patient and/or family to explain nature of study, elicit cooperation and gather information to complete study questionnaire. Facilitates obtaining informed consent. May schedule patient appointments and call patients to complete documentation.
• C.) May review medical records to abstract information necessary to complete forms. May request and follow up on missing data such as laboratory test results and the like.
• D.) Monitors adherence to protocol; alerts physician when laboratory tests ordered have not been performed, medication protocol not followed, etc. Collects and organizes patient data into appropriate format to facilitate data entry. Operates computer to enter study information into database. Using pre-packaged software and according to needs of research supervisor, performs computer-assisted statistical analysis such as multiple antecedent variables, linear regression, frequencies, cross tabulations and the like. May write non-complex programs using computer and software –compatible language to reformat information, create new files, etc. Maintains computer equipment, arranges for internal/external service as necessary to effect repairs and maintenance. Prepares related graphs and charts or results of data gathered. Participates in quantitative and qualitative analyses of resultant information. May assist in planning research protocols. Coordinates activities of others assigned to research project to interview patients, compete forms or perform other tasks. Reviews literature pertaining to research being conducted in order to better understand project and gather relevant information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE: Bachelor’s Degree in Applied or Life Sciences or related area, including courses in research methodologies and microcomputer systems.

EXPERIENCE: Three to six months on-the-job experience to become familiar with specific research studies. Knowledge of theory and techniques of research methodology. Organizational skills to organize and prioritize own efforts on multiple projects and to gather research information, format appropriately for computer data entry, prepare and maintain records and reports, etc. Interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and hospital professionals to gather and exchange information. Analytical skills to participate in developing research protocols, perform statistical analyses and participate in qualitative/quantitative analyses of research data. Technical ability to operate and maintain computer system. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Often works within a specific department to identify, enroll, and follow up with research patients. May spend much of the time standing and walking between departments, offices, Medical Records, etc.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Perform independently within the department’s policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to the supervisor when clarification of the departmental policies and procedures are required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.