| linical research associate is a versatile and interesting | | | | with a specific condition, and followup trials after the |
| career in the medical field. But what exactly is a | | | | launch of a new product to monitor side effects |
| clinical research associate and what do they do on a | | | | among the general public during mass use. |
| daily basis? This article will outline some of the | | | | Some of the typical activities that a clinical research |
| responsibilities of a clinical research associate and | | | | associate may perform on an average day include: |
| detail the daily life of a person in this rapidly | | | | * developing trial protocols |
| expanding field. | | | | * presenting those trial protocols to a medical |
| The main function of a clinical research associate is to | | | | committee |
| monitor and oversee clinical trials for new and existing | | | | * designing data collection forms (case record forms) |
| medical products and drugs. They generally work with | | | | * coordinating with ethics committees |
| a sponsor company who has developed some type | | | | * managing regulatory authority applications and |
| of medical product and wants to get it approved for | | | | approvals |
| sale to the general public. In order to sell this product | | | | * locating and approving facilities for the trial |
| in doctors offices and pharmacies it must be tested | | | | * working with doctors and consultants |
| extensively and approved for use by the public. Many | | | | * prepping the study centers for the trial |
| times clinical research associates work as independent | | | | * training site staff to industry standards |
| contractors or freelancers. A clinical research | | | | * monitoring the trial throughout the entire duration |
| associate ensures compliance with clinical trial | | | | * writing visit reports and documenting the trial |
| protocol, and oversees the clinical trial process to | | | | * filing and logging trial documentation and reports |
| ensure it complies with local regulations and general | | | | * accounting for unused trial supplies |
| clinical practice. A CRA is usually required to have a | | | | * archiving study results and documents |
| degree in Life Sciences and often requires other | | | | * prepping final reports for publication |
| testing and certifications. | | | | The job of a clinical research associate greatly varies |
| To summarize, a clinical research associate sets up, | | | | from one trial to another so take this as a general |
| monitors and completes clinical trials. They are a sort | | | | overview rather than a detailed job specification. |
| of project manager for medical trials. | | | | With certain companies, the CRA would be involved |
| But what exactly is a clinical trial and what does it | | | | in the entire trial from start to finish. With others, a |
| comprise of? | | | | medical adviser initiates the trial, and a clinical research |
| A clinical trial is a type of scientific study that tests | | | | associate would then be involved in collecting data |
| the effects, risks, and benefits of a medical product | | | | and monitoring the trial after it is ready to begin. It is |
| or medication. Several large trials are generally | | | | a very important and highly regarded profession in |
| required before a product can be sold to a hospital or | | | | today's society and will be growing quickly as the |
| local pharmacy. Different types of trials are usually | | | | population and aging baby boomers continue to |
| required and include but are not limited to: trials on | | | | expand. |
| healthy patients, trials on sick patients or patients | | | | |