The role of clinical trial nurses: Transitioning from clinicians to clinical research coordinators.

What is already known about this topic? Clinical trials ultimately contribute to improving public health. A clinical trial process should cover a number of tasks, such as provision of study information to patients, recruitment of patients, screening and obtainment of their consent. Clinical trial nurses affect the quality of clinical trials, but little is described about the scope and contribution of their roles in clinical trials. What is already known about this topic? This study explored the role of clinical research coordinators (CRCs) and their professional role recognition in the wake of policy changes in South Korea since 2015. Formal education, role delineation and career ladder schemes are critical factors to the career advancement of CRCs, as shown in the study results. Identifying the changes and effects of the relevant policy has implications to the South Korean context and beyond, serving as a reference for countries considering setting up CRC roles or establishing an educational system for CRCs. The implications of this paper: Formal education, role delineation and career ladder schemes are critical factors to the career advancement of CRCs. To improve the performance and professional awareness of CRCs, a government-led system and policies on formal education and career ladder are needed so that CRCs can fulfil their role in improving public health.