REVIEW
Clinical research nurses’ expectations and realities of their role: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Orlaith Hernon RGN, RCN, PGD Emergency Care, Master of Health Sciences Nursing Education, RNT,
Rachael Dalton MHSc Nursing Education, PGD Oncology, RGN,
Maura Dowling PhD,RGN, RNT,
Corresponding Author
Orlaith Hernon RGN, RCN, PGD Emergency Care, Master of Health Sciences Nursing Education, RNT
Clinical Research Nurse
Galway University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland
Correspondence
Orlaith Hernon, Clinical Research Facility Galway, Galway University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorRachael Dalton MHSc Nursing Education, PGD Oncology, RGN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Galway University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland
Search for more papers by this authorMaura Dowling PhD,RGN, RNT
Senior Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Search for more papers by this authorOrlaith Hernon RGN, RCN, PGD Emergency Care, Master of Health Sciences Nursing Education, RNT,
Rachael Dalton MHSc Nursing Education, PGD Oncology, RGN,
Maura Dowling PhD,RGN, RNT,
Corresponding Author
Orlaith Hernon RGN, RCN, PGD Emergency Care, Master of Health Sciences Nursing Education, RNT
Clinical Research Nurse
Galway University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland
Correspondence
Orlaith Hernon, Clinical Research Facility Galway, Galway University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorRachael Dalton MHSc Nursing Education, PGD Oncology, RGN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Galway University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland
Search for more papers by this authorMaura Dowling PhD,RGN, RNT
Senior Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Aims
To synthesise the available body of qualitative studies relating to clinical research nurses’ experiences of their role.
Methods
A systematic search of the literature in five databases was undertaken: CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and ProQuest. Thomas and Harden's three-stage approach to thematic analysis was followed using the ENTREQ statement for reporting.
Results
Nineteen studies reported in 20 papers (with a total of 232 nurses) were included in the synthesis. Three analytical themes with six subthemes were identified as follows: “identity”; “meeting targets”; and “patient advocate.”
Conclusions
Clinical research nurses experience isolation, and contributing to this is their perception of nonresearch nurses’ lack of understanding for their role. This can result in difficulties when recruiting study participants. Clinical research nurses can experience internal conflict between being a patient advocate and adhering to a trial protocol.
Relevance to clinical practice
Training is needed to help research nurses develop skills to face challenges in order to ensure safe and ethical care is provided to research participants while also ensuring high-quality data collected for the study.
Supporting Information
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