Now is the time to fix the clinical research workforce crisis
- PMID: 37264897
- PMCID: PMC10504806
- DOI: 10.1177/17407745231177885
Now is the time to fix the clinical research workforce crisis
Abstract
The clinical and translational research enterprise is recognized by many as the "evidence generation system." While there have been several calls to revolutionize this enterprise to more effectively deliver the fruits of biomedical science to patients and society, significant issues across the clinical research workforce are pervasive. Perhaps the most visible sign is the widening gap between supply and demand for competent staff. Underpinning this, is a perfect storm of complex issues. Now reaching crisis point, this problem is far bigger than a staffing issue and ultimately jeopardizes the "engine" of drug and device development. With the current perilous state of the workforce, proposed enterprise fixes are likely to languish far out of reach, given that even "business as usual" is under threat. In fact, a glaring disconnect is evident between the visionary discourse on how to revolutionize the clinical research enterprise and the sober recognition that operationalization of any such vision rests on the shoulders of a workforce that's in dire straits. In this article, we provide a brief forensic analysis of the workforce problem and an initial indication of where solutions may lie.
Keywords: Clinical research; clinical research coordinator; clinical research professional; clinical research workforce; drug development; recruitment; research nursing; retention; translational research; workforce development.
Conflict of interest statement
The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
References
-
- Califf RM. Now is the time to fix the evidence generation system. Clin Trials 2023; 20(1): 3–12. - PubMed
-
- Clinical Trials Administrator Archives. Shortage of nurses, docs hurts CR staff hiring, retention rates, https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/111576-shortage-of-nurses-docs-hurt... (2009, accessed 27 March 2023).
-
- Miseta E. Clinical staff shortage: “growing plague” for pharma & CROs. Clinical Leader, https://www.clinicalleader.com/doc/clinical-staff-shortage-growing-plagu... (2016, accessed 27 March 2023).
-
- Actalent. The staffing crisis in clinical trials and the drive for permanent staff, https://www.actalentservices.com/en-gb/insights/articles/the-staffing-cr... (2018, accessed 27 March 2023).
-
- Stabile S, Cenna R, Sinno V, et al.. Clinical trial units and clinical research coordinators: a system facing crisis? About Open (Clin Res) 2023; 10: 1–3.
Publication types
MeSH terms
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Miscellaneous