2020 Volume 51 Issue 2 Pages 71-76
Background: Limited data are available to create an effective instruction strategy for clinical research coordinators (CRCs) based on their experience (years). We aimed to understand the association between the expertise level and experience of CRCs.
Methods: Data from a survey that developed a scale for evaluating the expertise level of CRCs were used. Pearson's coefficients of correlation were calculated to examine the association among the following four subscales: knowledge, basic skills, management skills and attitude, and experience (years). The mean scores on the subscales were compared among 5 groups categorized as per experience (years) using analysis of variance and multiple comparisons.
Results: Total 974 valid responses were received. Pearson's coefficient of correlation among the three subscales of knowledge, basic skill and management skill, and experience (years) was ≥0.5. The mean score of CRCs with ≥11 years of experience was 3.9/5 for knowledge, 4.5/5 for basic skills, 4.0/5 for management skills, and 4.0/5 for attitude. The mean scores for each subscale were significantly different for all five groups. However, there were no significant differences among several groups in multiple comparisons.
Conclusion: Knowledge, basic skills, and management skills of CRCs are associated with their professional experience (years). However, the basic skills do not improve after six years of experience; knowledge and management skills do not match those of an expert. Attitude is not associated with experience.
