Review Articles
Study Coordination and its key role in Clinical Research
Main Article Content
Inês Zimbarra Cabrita
Francisca Patuleia Figueiras
Margarida Nogueira
Susana Silva
Cecília Gomes
Fausto J. Pinto
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.
Article Details
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