The role of the research nurse in urological trials: a firsthand experience.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: My career in research started as a data-entry officer, this position helped me to understand the role that clinical trials play in creating evidence based research which leads to discovering new and appropriate treatments for cancer patients. Having started my nursing career in theatre I had little clinical experience, but under the guidance and mentoring of two highly qualified clinical research nurses I was able to gain the vital skills and knowledge required to undertake this challenging and exciting new role. ROLE, TRAINING AND SKILLS: The role of the research nurse requires a comprehensive understanding of the speciality in which they are working, and also an extensive knowledge of the research process and research-related legislation. The urology research nurse works closely with the rest of the multidisciplinary team including the urologists and oncologists. This close relationship creates further learning opportunities as these highly trained specialists can be clinical mentors and resources. the nurse plays an important role in preparing the study for ethics review. Ethics submissions involve rigorous preparation and revision of the study documents. once ethics approval has been granted the nurse works closely with the Principal Investigator to screen potential patients for the study. research nurses act as a patient advocates, ensuring they are protected and supported throughout the research study. The nurse manages the physical, psychological and social needs of those patients and their families even beyond the clinical trial requirements. CONCLUSION: Overall the role of the research nurse is extremely interesting, dynamic and challenging and demands a wide range of skills. Some evidence shows that patients taking part in clinical trials do better than others with the same disease. Clinical trials can help patients and may alleviate the symptoms of their disease.