Clinical Research Collaborations (CRCs) are ERS supported projects. They bring together multiple stakeholders, such as clinical and translational researchers, radiologists, biostatisticians, associated funding partners, and patients to collaborate on an identified area within respiratory medicine. This multidisciplinary approach fosters a dynamic scientific community. CRC’s aim to advance science and clinical research and improve respiratory health and medicine.Learn more about the Clinical Research Courses
Clinical Research Function
The main function of a clinical research associate is to monitor clinical trials. The CRA may work directly with the sponsor company of a clinical trial, as an independent freelancer or for a contract research organization (CRO). A clinical research associate ensures compliance with the clinical trial protocol, checks clinical site activities, makes on-site visits, reviews case report forms (CRFs), and communicates with clinical research coordinators.
Clinical research associates also "assure the protection of the rights, safety and well being of human study subjects. Additionally, a CRA must "make certain that the scientific integrity of the data collected is protected and verified" and "assure that adverse events are correctly documented and reported.
clinical trials
Clinical trials are research studies in which people volunteer to help find answers to specific health questions. When carefully conducted, they are the safest and fastest way to find new treatments and ways to improve health.
Clinical trials are conducted according to a plan, called a protocol, which describes:
- the types of patients who may enter the study
- the schedules of tests and procedures
- the drugs involved
- the dosages, or amount of the drug
- the length of the study
- what the researchers hope to learn from the study.