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The Clinical Research Associate Retention Study: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

Emily E Owens Pickle1, Dawn Borgerson2, Anelise Espirito-Santo3

  • 11 Arnold Palmer Medical Center, Orlando, FL, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing : Official Journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
|August 25, 2017
PubMed

Insights

High turnover in clinical research associates (CRAs) impacts pediatric oncology research. Addressing low pay, workload, and career growth can improve CRA retention and job satisfaction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology Research
  • Clinical Trial Management
  • Healthcare Workforce Studies

Background:

  • Pediatric medicine faces funding challenges, yet pediatric oncology research thrives due to collaboration.
  • Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) are vital for research site operations, including data collection and subject management.
  • High turnover and vacancies among CRAs pose a significant challenge to research continuity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors influencing Clinical Research Associate (CRA) retention in pediatric oncology research.
  • To understand the reasons CRAs consider leaving or staying in their positions.
  • To inform strategies for improving CRA job satisfaction and reducing turnover.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
  • The study surveyed CRAs to gather data on their job satisfaction and retention factors.
  • Analysis focused on frequently cited reasons for staying or leaving CRA positions.

Main Results:

  • Factors associated with intent to leave include low salary, unmanageable workload, and limited career advancement.
  • Lack of research commitment from the medical team also contributed to CRA turnover.
  • Reasons for staying include meaningful work, supportive principal investigators, and positive colleague relationships.

Conclusions:

  • CRAs report significant, yet addressable, issues impacting job satisfaction and retention.
  • Practical, low-cost solutions can be implemented to improve the CRA work environment.
  • Enhancing CRA retention is crucial for the sustained success of pediatric oncology research.

Keywords:
clinical trialshealthy work environmentquality improvementretention

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