Creating efficiencies in daily monitoring is important for Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) because it allows you to be more effective at your job — and it helps instill a better work/life balance. Clinical Research teams led by an organized CRA are better equipped to carry out the research study as planned and quickly close action items. 

Efficient clinical trial monitoring is also important for Sponsors and Clinical Research Organizations (CROs). It helps these organizations achieve their ultimate goals: delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.

Prioritizing CRA efficiency is more important than ever. Sponsors and CROs recognize the clear link between the heavy workloads resulting from an increased number of clinical trials, CRA burnout, and CRA turnover. Creating efficiencies for Clinical Research Associates can yield positive results for CRAs, Sponsors, and CROs to ensure the overall success of the trial.

This article explores specific opportunities for creating efficiencies in daily monitoring for CRAs at all levels.

Proper Training to Set Up CRAs for Success

Training for Clinical Research Associates, particularly when you’re new to the role, can be a long and time-consuming process. While you learn a lot by actually doing the job, having some background knowledge is key. And if you’re a seasoned CRA, you want to continue learning so you can grow in the role.

Different Forms of CRA Training

On-the-job (internal) training

Many companies provide training for CRAs. For example, your hiring company may offer or require training on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the systems you’ll use, general clinical trial training, and CRA job responsibilities.

Internal training typically occurs within your first days or weeks in the new role. However, you may receive additional training with new study assignments. For example, the Clinical Trial Manager (CTM) for one of your studies could arrange training during a recurring CRA meeting to refresh your knowledge of the protocol, therapeutic area, or specific study systems. 

Take advantage of internal training opportunities whenever possible.

External training

There are many reasons to explore external training programs. If you’re a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) or in another role and your goal is to become a CRA, a training course is a smart next step. It’ll look good on your resume, you’ll be better able to answer questions during an interview, and you’ll feel more prepared when you land an offer. Win-win-win.

On the other hand, if you’re a current CRA, you may want (or need) more training than your company offers. You could benefit from extra training to give you a competitive edge for a promotion to CRA II  or Senior CRA. 

We recommend The CRA Academy and The CRA Helper as external training courses.

Training tools to boost organization and efficiency

Want to take your training further? Familiarize yourself with tools that will ensure your success. A great way to be an efficient CRA from the start is to train with the same methods and resources you’ll use in the field. 

For example, some companies use CRA Audit Notes from ClinEssentials as a helpful training tool. Then, when you’re out in the field for a monitoring visit, you bring your trusted Audit Notes. Instead of feeling stressed by time constraints and a long to-do list, the training tools (aka CRA Audit Notes) help you feel prepared and confident to tackle the visit with ease.

How to Use CRA Audit Notes as a Training Tool

CRA Audit Notes, titled with industry phrases, are color-coded. This makes it easier to understand the meaning of the phrases and the action steps they require. In addition, color-coding helps you learn where to file (and find) information about different topics. 

When CRA Audit Notes are part of the training, new CRAs learn and understand how to prioritize and maintain organization throughout a clinical trial. This results in more efficient CRAs and more effective trials.

Many Sponsors and CROs see the positive impact of CRA Audit Notes. That’s why companies invest in CRA Audit Notes for research sites. And some provide new CRAs with the CRA Starter Bundle or the Professionals Preferred Collection.   

Official Certifications for CRAs

Training programs that result in certifications are beneficial to your career. Some certifications may lead to better clinical research jobs or salary increases. A certificate can give you an edge over someone with a similar background and skill set. 

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) offers the Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) Certification. This certificate is for CRAs who meet eligibility requirements, demonstrate proficiency in specific knowledge and job-related skills, and pass the certification exam. 

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) offers the Certification Program for Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP). This certification is for an internationally accepted level of knowledge, education, and experience for Clinical Research Professionals. 

Digitalizing Clinical Trials for More Efficiency

Clinical Research as a whole is slower to digitize than most other industries. However, while some research sites continue to use handwritten documents, others are transitioning to electronic forms. Advantages include greater efficiency due to more legible communication and the ability to track key study documents precisely.

Some time-saving tools that were once only available in print format are now also offered digitally. You can purchase various monitoring tools as digital downloads, including the Action Item Carbonless Pad, Visit To Do List, and a range of Task Lists.

The increase in remote monitoring of clinical trials is leading to more development of ways to monitor remotely, even outside of the electronic data capture (EDC) system. Site monitors use secure folders, such as the Box, to access data. CRIO is a system that provides electronic access to a site’s source documents. Everyone involved in the trial has access to the same information and can monitor the trial at any time. This is another way to increase monitoring efficiency for CRAs.

As we move toward digitalization in Clinical Research, remember that many companies are not there. Knowing how to monitor with both paper copies and electronic data is key for any CRA.

Standardizing Work Helps Improve Efficiency

Standardization formalizes processes and fosters accountability, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency. It allows you to complete more tasks accurately the first time. 

For CRAs, standardization is a time-saving technique that enables you to focus on the most important parts of your clinical trials. 

CRA Audit Notes from ClinEssentials allow you and your research teams to standardize your processes. CRA Audit Notes enable teammates to clearly see the action item, next steps, and whether it has been completed. This standardization ensures that everyone is on the same page, thereby increasing efficiency. See how CRA Audit Notes work here.

Brian S. is a CRA who uses CRA Audit Notes. “My sites and I created an efficient system. They love how we use CRA Audit Notes during my monitoring visits,” Brian reported. “I am seeing a much faster rate of action item closure because of them. The colors help point out urgent issues.”

Another CRA, Karen Z., has a favorite item from ClinEssentials: “The action item carbonless pads and visit to do lists are my favorite. I love lists and love that I can write my actions once, give a copy to the coordinator, and keep a copy for myself.” Since she only has to write her action items one time, Karen has become more efficient and organized. 

Why It’s Important to Create Efficiencies in Monitoring

Creating efficiencies in monitoring should be a priority for all CRAs. 

Efficiency allows you to take your monitoring to the next level. Creating efficiencies saves time and helps you work smarter. Your tasks take less time when you’re more organized and productive. 

Alleviating repetitive work through these efficiencies helps you and your teams deliver quality results on time and within budget. Streamlining leads to successful, high-quality results. As a CRA at any company, this is what you’re expected to do. 

For more tools that help Clinical Research Associates and research teams work more efficiently, visit our online shop.

If you do something that helps increase your efficiency for your job in Clinical Research, please comment below.