Operational and resource management of an RCT: some of the pitfalls and lessons learned.
Nurses frequently fulfil important functions within a research team involved in clinical trials. This paper describes the challenges inherent in developing and managing a large clinical trial involving the evaluation of homoeopathy and asthma. Teamwork, a clear and comprehensive understanding of the research protocol, marketing the project, and the ability to manage human resources within both a primary and secondary care environment are all essential aspects of clinical research. Our experience in establishing and managing this project has suggested to us that a high standard of clinical research demands an open approach to problem-solving as well as the realization that efficient research is as much about the management of people as it is about scientific rigour.
Dolan
G
G
University of Southampton, UK.
Broomfield
J
J
Lewith
G
G
Watkins
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D009874:Operations Research; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010934:Planning Techniques; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support
D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust