Research Nurse Coordinators’ Perception of Relationship with Patients Enrolled in a Clinical Research Study

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The growth of clinical research trials to improve patient outcomes has significantly affected nursing and the implementation of the nurse research coordinator role. The purpose of this study was to explore how the research nurse coordinator (RNC) perceives this role and associated responsibilities for patients enrolled in a clinical research study and associated problems and ethical tensions that emerge during the delivery of a clinical research protocol. The research questions were 1) How does the RNC perceive his or her role responsibility for patients enrolled in a clinical trial? 2) Does the nurse experience ethical tension during the implementation of the RNC role? Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was used to answer the questions. RNCs from a large Northeastern teaching hospital participated in 1:1 interviews with the investigator. Data were analyzed for this study according to the methods described in Lincoln and Guba (1985) for qualitative research and presented as themes. Results: Eleven RNC participated in the study. Data from the interviews were distilled into five final themes: 1) The RNC develops intentional and mutual relationships with patients and their families that fosters trust; 2) In coming to know the patient the RNC as a clinical expert is able to advocate for the unique needs of patients enrolled in clinical trials; 3) The RNC is respected by the team for his or her skills and as a result is able to practice autonomously; 4) In reflecting on past experiences, RNCs identify with medical science philosophy of cure as opposed to nursing’s one of caring/healing and; 5) In reflecting on some aspects of clinical trials, RNCs recognize ethical tensions and as such are able to influence protocol implementation and future studies. Knowledge gained from this study provides insights about the RNC role perception and highlighted multiple dimensions of care delivery faced by nurses who practice as an RNC. The study participants described practicing in the RNC role with clarity about the role and described practicing with autonomy and independence.