Clarifying the role of clinical research nurses working in Sweden, using the Clinical Trial Nursing Questionnaire – Swedish version
Beatrice Backman Lönn, Senada Hajdarević, Niclas Olofsson, Åsa Hörnsten, Johan Styrke
Abstract
AIM: To explore the role of CRNs in Sweden and differences in competences and tasks, using the Clinical Trial Nursing Questionnaire - Swedish version (CTNQ-SWE). DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Participants were identified through strategic sampling. Data were analysed by descriptive and comparative statistics. RESULTS: The respondents were experienced nurses who felt proficient in their role, they felt more acceptance by the principal investigators than by nursing colleagues. A majority of CRNs are involved in all procedures specified in the CTNQ-SWE. The most often performed tasks, also rated as the most important by the CRNs, concerned informed consent and management of investigational products. The education was often informal: with a lack of job descriptions and professional development plans. Need of formal specialist education was expressed. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about the role description can be used by clinical research enterprise internationally and healthcare organizations aiming to support CRNs in their role.