Investigating the roles and training of paediatric research nurses working across Europe: a questionnaire-based survey

Abstract

BackgroundThe key role played by research nurses in coordinating clinical trials in a paediatric setting has developed in line with increasing complexities of trial design. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to investigate the training of research nurses involved in paediatric trials across Europe, to identify potential training needs and compare roles across specialties and countries.MethodsA structured, cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used, with the aim of describing and quantifying research nurse experiences. The questionnaire was designed to cover four main areas of interest: demographics, training, clinical trial experience and research nurse roles/activities.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 341 respondents across 45 different specialties in 20 European countries. A higher percentage of research nurses within 3 years of taking up post were dissatisfied with the level of training received (16%), as compared with those in post for 3–6 years (8%) and >6 years (6%). There was a trend towards a higher percentage of respondents receiving self-funded training in mainland Europe, with reported values of 15%–20%, as compared with <5% in the UK and Ireland. Only 3% of research nurses prescribed investigational medicinal products in a clinical trial setting, with contrasting roles observed between countries.ConclusionsWhile high levels of training satisfaction were observed, 67% of respondents felt they would benefit from additional training in line with frequently changing practices. Currently, low levels of nurse prescribing are observed in a paediatric clinical trial setting across Europe. Appropriate research nurse training programmes should be promoted through national networks across Europe.

Characteristics and duties of clinical research nurses: a scoping review

“…Specimen management is also within the scope of CRN’ s duties. In addition to completing the collection of biological specimens, CRNs are responsible for handling biological specimens such as centrifugation and storage as well, and appropriate sample transportation (Liu et al, 2020) ( 25 ). Transcription of data from raw files to case report forms, organization of clinical trial folders, and maintenance of study documents are included in document management duties (Liu et al, 2020) ( 19 ).…”

“…Transcription of data from raw files to case report forms, organization of clinical trial folders, and maintenance of study documents are included in document management duties (Liu et al, 2020) ( 19 ). In terms of drug management, research nurses need to be responsible for the management and prescribing of experimental drugs ( 25 ). Liu et al, (2020) elaborated on the content of drug management.…”

“…The 26 included articles were published between 1991 and 2023 (Table 1), most of which were published after 2010 (n = 22, 84.62%), and the role of CRNs began to receive more attention in the past 5 years. The articles came from seven countries (based on the affiliation of the first author), with the top three being the United States (n = 9, 34.62%) (4,9,(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18), the United Kingdom (n = 7, 29.17%) (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25) methods. As for specific methods, survey interviews (n = 7, 29.17%), or focus groups (n = 6, 25%) were the main methods used.…”