Clinical research coordinators (CRCs) are the unsung heroes of clinical trials. They make research happen by juggling countless, often thankless, tasks and impart order out of chaos. One of the most obvious areas needing attention is the overwhelming burden of manually re-entering data from medical systems into research systems – a burden leading to rising dissatisfaction and turnover. So let’s take a look at the work life of clinical research coordinators.
Few would argue that manually entering data for hours on end is a desirable activity. Yet, that is what sponsors ask of CRCs every day. CRCs are dedicated, educated professionals who entered the field with the goal of helping patients, many of whom may be in desperate need of treatment options.
In fact, a recent survey found that 60 percent of site staff spend two hours or more per patient per day transcribing data from the EHR into the clinical trial electronic data capture (EDC) system. This is a low-value activity relative to most research coordinators’ capabilities and relative to patient needs.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to stay this way. Modern advances in EHR eSource technology and interoperability standards such as SMART on FHIR coupled with renewed White House commitment mean sponsors and sites can take clear steps to help staff work more efficiently and deliver better patient care throughout any type of clinical trial. In fact, sponsors leveraging EHR eSource have realized tremendous competitive advantages, especially at scale.
Check out our “Day in the Life” infographic, here!
