Dados do Resumo

Título

The importance of the research nurse team in managing academic-scientific clinical research protocols

Introdução

Faced with the growing scenario of translational clinical research and the heterogeneity of research projects, we are faced with the important figure of the research nurse. This professional ensures quality and ethics in the conduct of studies, whether they are observational, interventional, real-world evidence studies or epidemiological. They coordinate national and international studies, interacting with various areas of the institution and beyond, which brings dynamism, complexity and richness to the activities. They are focal points for research and carry out extremely responsible activities. In addition to technical skills, they develop important behavioural skills, such as critical thinking, efficient communication, problem-solving, teamwork, autonomy and leadership, which are fundamental for the administrative and regulatory organization and clinical and care management of studies.

Objetivo

To highlight the importance of the work of research nurses at the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, pointing out their qualifications, responsibilities and the added value that these professionals and their activities bring to the institution, since they generate a significant volume of research data, contributing directly to the scientific publications and reputation of our center.

Métodos

This is a descriptive study, reporting on the experience of the team of research nurses from the Research Project Support and Management Center at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center.
The nurses are assigned to the institution's Reference Centers (RCs) and coordinate the entire chain of activities of the main research projects, strategically, tactically and operationally.
They work in partnership with researchers in the clinical area and basic research, in the strategic projects of the RCs, in cross-cutting areas (oncogenetics, diagnostic imaging, ICU), in advising postgraduate students and residents. In addition, they teach classes for the technical school, postgraduate courses and residency programs.

Resultados

Between July/2023 and July/2024, the 11 research nurses working in the 13 RCs managed an average of 85 projects/month, included 9956 research participants in databases, collected 1009 biological samples, carried out 339 questionnaires, applied 1140 Free and Informed Consent forms, and provided consultancy for another 643 projects, contributing directly or indirectly to a large part of the 266 scientific articles published during this period.
And when we compare the year 2023 with the first seven months of 2024, we see a significant increase in all the group's indicators, in the order of up to 292%.

Conclusões

The role of this team is fundamental to the organization and execution of all stages of research projects and permeates various spheres, including project kick-off meetings, IRB submissions, flow design, guidance and alignments with partner teams, as well as the tactical and operational organization of activities, as biological sample collection and its shipping logistic, filling out the Clinical Report Form (CRF), nursing consultations with interviews/questionnaires, dispensing of medications, sending adverse events and contributing to scientific articles. In addition, these professionals stand out as the main support for research participants.

Financiador do resumo

Not applicable.

Palavras Chave

Reseach nurse; study coordinator