A survey of clinical research coordinators in the cooperative group setting of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN).

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: As one of the newest cooperative groups funded by the National Cancer Institute in 1999, the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) is interested in conducting successful clinical research programs and pursuing quality research. The ACRIN Research Associate (RA) committee was formed in 2000 and felt it important to better understand the demographics, duties, needs, and concerns of ACRIN RAs. Therefore, in 2008, the committee conducted a survey of ACRIN RAs regarding these issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey instrument consisted of 33 multiple choice questions covering demographics, salary, job satisfaction, work load, educational background, and training. RAs completed the survey electronically in June 2008. RESULTS: A total of 110 responses were received. All regions of the United States were represented. The years of experience and salary ranged widely from <1 year to 28 years and ≤$20,000 to ≥$80,000 per year. The majority of respondents held at least a bachelor's degree, with many having previous health-related clinical training; only a small percentage of respondents having had formal training in research. CONCLUSION: Our survey summarizes the demographics and educational background of the research associates within ACRIN. This may help administrators understand the needs and characteristics of RAs participating in cooperative group research. In today's environment with tight regulatory control, it may become necessary to improve educational standards or require certification through one of the professional research organizations.

The Research Associate Committee of the ACR Imaging Network.

Research associates (RAs) play an important role in ensuring the quality of clinical trials. They are largely responsible for maintaining the accuracy and timeliness of data collected and for complying with applicable regulations. At the ACR Imaging Network (ACRIN), a cooperative group, RAs have formed a committee with the mission of helping ACRIN achieve its goal of conducting quality multi-institutional imaging clinical trials. Because of the varying backgrounds and levels of experience of ACRIN's RAs, one of the first goals of the committee was to develop an educational program that would provide standard training to all RAs. The committee also felt that RAs should be involved in the protocol development process from the earliest stages, and they are now represented on each major ACRIN committee. Other committee activities include publishing a newsletter, conducting an RA questionnaire, maintaining a Web page, and developing an online training tool. With hard work from the committee members, support from ACRIN's leadership, and demonstrated accomplishments, the committee has become an integral part of ACRIN's organization.