Overcoming Clinical Research Staffing Challenges
The Challenge
A global clinical research organisation (CRO) faced a challenge in managing a clinical research site known for its extreme staffing shortages and difficult working conditions. The site struggled to retain a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC). With patients actively enrolled and safety data urgently required, the risk to trial integrity was high. The situation was further complicated by the August holiday period, which made recruitment of qualified staff even more difficult. The client sought an experienced data entry staff member to rectify the data quality issues at the site swiftly and efficiently.
The Solution
mdgroup rapidly mobilized through our HCP clinical staffing service. Working with local partners, we developed flexible solutions to attract candidates despite the site’s challenges. This included remote and hybrid work options, travel support, adjusted criteria, and enhanced compensation packages.
We identified a highly qualified candidate who had previous experience as both a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and CRC. The candidate’s flexibility in working hours made her an ideal fit for the project. However, logistical challenges arose, such as the lack of management resources and dedicated workspace at the site, as well as the CRC’s limited access to computer resources. mdgroup facilitated communication between the CRC, site, and client to develop creative solutions, including providing a laptop directly to the CRC, ensuring she had the necessary tools to succeed.
The Outcome
The successful implementation of the staffing solution resulted in deploying an experienced and highly qualified CRC to the struggling site. The client expressed satisfaction with the personnel assigned to the project, highlighting the CRC’s ability to navigate challenges around intranet access, PI availability, and space issues. Moreover, the CRC’s familiarity with the Principal Investigator and her team from previous roles contributed to a seamless integration into the project team.
Through mdgroup’s innovative approach and diligent efforts, we were able to address critical staffing shortages at the site and ensure the timely and accurate collection of data for the ongoing research study. This successful collaboration underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and creative problem-solving in overcoming challenges within the clinical research landscape.
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