The design and development of a technology based orientation manual for clinical research coordinators

The objective of this research was to use technology to develop an on-line orientation manual for clinical research coordinators. Many clinical research coordinators begin their careers as staff nurses and have little knowledge related to clinical research. As such, when they transition to a career in clinical research they lack the knowledge relevant to the conduct of clinical research including knowledge related to federal regulations and other requirements related to compliance. The on-line orientation manual can be used as an adjunct to face-to-face orientation with an experienced research coordinator. Because the manual is web-based, the research coordinator can access the educational materials at anytime promoting just-in-time learning.;Three learning modules were developed for the on-line orientation manual: (1) An Overview of Clinical Research, (2) Roles and Responsibilities of Clinical Research Coordinators, and (3) a Research Glossary. Each module provides the research coordinator with background information, access to outside websites, and specific examples related to the conduct of clinical research at the site. The on-line orientation provides consistency in educating the new coordinator and enables the new clinical research coordinator to learn, integrate, and apply knowledge to the work setting.