Clinical Trials Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Clinical Trials Assistant, your main duties will include:

1. Clinical Duties

Provide a safe environment for staff and service users having due regard to legislative and study procedure requirements.

Contribute to the equity of care for all individuals.

Assist the clinical research team in the delivery of planned clinical research activities and working to evidence-based care.

Prepare and collate relevant documentation and equipment for each study visit including source data forms, questionnaires, investigation request forms, blood/tissue collection equipment etc.

Instigate emergency procedures where appropriate.

Be able to support patients and carers during recruitment and participation in studies.

Administer questionnaires/diaries/ to trial participants, providing clear instructions and oversight with appropriate supervision This may involve conducting telephone assessments or seeing patients/participants in a clinical environment.

Undertake delegated tasks without direct supervision where/when appropriate. This may require the use of observational/analytical skills to monitor the health and well-being of participants. This will include taking and recording of vital observations (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, respirations. temperature), physical measurements (e.g. measuring waist circumference, weight), urinalysis and obtaining blood samples. In addition, they may also be required to perform other tests and procedures commensurate with the role.

Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and agencies to deliver a high standard of care.

Be aware of the health and safety issues regarding the handling/exposure to bodily fluids when caring for participants.

Ensure any concerns regarding the patients are referred to appropriate clinical colleagues at the earliest opportunity.

Undertake all such reasonable other duties as may be required as part of the role.

Use appropriate information to make timely and effective decisions about clinical research participants.

Obtain, process and transmit samples related to clinical research activities to the appropriate area.

Participate in the use of information and technology needed for the delivery of clinical research activities.

Provide information in a form that meets the understanding of the receiver at all levels.

Use oral, written, or computerised information that facilitates research activity following standard operational procedures and study procedures.

Complete documentation following organisational policy and procedures

2. Professional Duties

Impart plans and instructions clearly and effectively

Establish clear lines of communication at all levels

Communicate relevant and factual information to participants and carers, using sensitivity and tact.

Contribute to the understanding of patients in situations of communication difficulties.

Always maintain patient and professional confidentiality.

Contribute to a working culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts, and innovation whilst reflecting organisational strategy and values.

Willing to develop new skills and participate in training and development of new team members, acting as mentor when required, in line with service development.

Be flexible, motivated and will have a keen interest in pursuing a wider knowledge and understanding of clinical research.

Participate through appraisal in matching organisational aims with personal objectives and supporting research staff within their own area of responsibility to do the same.

Attend and contribute to meetings held by the team and the organisation.

3. Performance & Finance Duties

Assist the research nurses to log activities within the appropriate reporting systems to allow invoices to be generated accordingly.

4. General Duties

Participate in regular supervision.

Complete all mandatory and essential training as per organisational and departmental guidelines/policies.

Participate annually identifying, developing, and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the the organisational appraisal.process

Comply with all organisational policies, procedures, and protocols.

Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary.

Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.

Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration/Qualifications (eg GCP)

The post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties reasonably falling within the grade of this post (i.e. taking and circulation of meeting minutes, creating study proformas, etc) .

Note: This job description is not exhaustive and may be added to or changed to from time to timefollowing discussion and consultation with the post holder and line manager

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience within a healthcare setting (e.g., healthcare assistant/phlebotomist) OR Proven, relevant experience as an administrator working within busy office environments, dealing with people at all levels and contributing in a positive, proactive manner
• Evidence of comprehensive administrative experience including the use of Microsoft Office software (including Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Proven experience of working independently on projects/tasks, ability to work as a team member & on own initiative
• Evidence of excellent communication with patients, service users or general public, and the ability to demonstrate a professional and compassionate manner

Desirable

• Experience in extracting and inputting data
• Previous experience working on clinical trials
• Supporting clinical teams with the co-ordination of projects or aspects of patient care
• Evidence of the ability to streamline /improve processes

Qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of education to GCSE level, this must include GCSE English, Science and Maths grade 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent
• NVQ Level 3 qualification in Administration, Health or Science or equivalent experience in the same areas OR Health Specific NVQ level 2 for Health Care applicants
• Evidence of the uptake of training opportunities relevant to previous roles
• Willingness to undertake any training or development relevant to the role

Desirable

• Competent in phlebotomy & performing general health observations eg Height, Weight, ECG
• Good clinical practice certificate (GCP)

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Flexibility to ensure achievement of objectives within constantly changing environments
• Problem solving skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Well- developed organisational skills and ability to multi-task, working accurately, particularly when dealing with conflicting deadlines & adapt to changing circumstances
• Professional attitude to work
• Diplomatic and calm under pressure
• Participate in and contribute to team discussions
• IT skills and a willing to learn new clinical research systems
• Demonstrate a commitment to a caring profession
• Good Literacy skills & attention to detail
• Able to prioritise and manage time effectively
• Ability to support and educate colleagues, patients and carers

Desirable

• Insight into the role and responsibilities of the post
• Understanding of clinical research & research processes

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Primary Care Sheffield

Address

722 Prince of Wales Road

Sheffield

South Yorkshire

S9 4EU

Employer's website

http://www.primarycaresheffield.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)