Review Articles

Study Coordination and its key role in Clinical Research

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Inês Zimbarra Cabrita
Francisca Patuleia Figueiras
Margarida Nogueira
Susana Silva
Cecília Gomes
Fausto J. Pinto
Keywords:
Biomedical Research, Clinical Protocols, Clinical Trials, Research Personnel

Abstract

We have been seeing a growing body of work showing the benefits of having health institutions investing in clinical research – health outcomes appear to be better, following of guidelines, and consequent patient care are also improved. The existence of a Clinical Research Support Unit seems essential, ensuring patient safety and quality of data, by supporting with time-consuming and expertise-requiring tasks. The inclusion of a Clinical Research Coordinator is thought to carry many advantages, as a considerable amount of responsibilities will be delegated to this professional.


This review adds onto the current literature on the role a Clinical Research Support Unit and a Clinical Research Coordinator have on clinical research, as well as the benefits they bring.


A strong unit gives rise to efficient, quality research, which in turn leads to improved, optimally delivered healthcare services, improved outcomes, enhanced infrastructures, job creation, and cost savings. The presence of a Clinical Research Support Unit with a professional Clinical Research Coordinator team not only facilitates industry-sponsored research but also enables the development of investigator-initiated studies. Further studies on the medical and socio-economic effects of high-quality clinical research activity in Portugal are both justified and necessary.

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