How to Be Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 30, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The number of elderly individuals is rising rapidly, and with it comes an increasing need for specialized care and clinical research. Geriatrics clinical research coordinators are invaluable in helping to meet this need, as they play a critical role in the development of treatments and therapies that are tailored to the unique needs of the aging population. By conducting clinical research studies, geriatrics clinical research coordinators are able to identify and target the specific issues facing elderly individuals, such as age-related changes in physiology, mental health, and mobility. Through their research, geriatrics clinical research coordinators can help to inform effective medical interventions, improve quality of life for the elderly, and ultimately reduce healthcare costs.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a geriatrics clinical research coordinator, you must first earn a bachelor's degree. Most employers prefer candidates with a degree in nursing, health sciences, or research-related field.
Obtain Certification. Although not required, earning a certification may help you stand out among other candidates and increase your chances of being hired. The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) offers certification for geriatrics clinical research coordinators.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire individuals with previous experience in the field. Gaining experience can be done by volunteering at a local hospital, participating in internships or working part-time at a clinical research organization.
Apply for a Job. Once you have obtained the necessary qualifications, you can begin applying for positions. You can search for job postings online or contact local hospitals and clinical research organizations to inquire about available positions.
Complete Training. After being hired, you will likely need to complete on-the-job training. This may include learning how to use medical software and understanding the ethical guidelines of clinical research.

The role of a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator requires a combination of education and experience. To become skilled and competent, a person must have a background in health sciences, such as a degree in nursing or a related field, as well as clinical experience. they must understand the research process and be familiar with research regulations, such as those in place by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

they must be organized, detail-oriented, and have excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Becoming competent in this role requires dedication to learning about clinical research procedures, regulations, and protocols, as well as staying up-to-date on advancements in the field. With the proper education, experience, and knowledge, a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator can be an invaluable asset to any research team.

You may want to check Geriatric Psychologist, Geriatrics Medical Records Technician, and Geriatric Rehabilitation Aide for alternative.

Job Description

Recruit and screen study participants
Design and implement research protocols
Collect, analyze, and interpret data
Prepare and submit progress reports to funding agencies
Communicate with study sponsors to ensure compliance with research protocols
Collaborate with other research staff to ensure efficient data collection and analysis
Develop research presentations for internal and external stakeholders
Manage patient care and follow-up visits
Serve as a liaison between geriatric clinical research staff and other health care professionals
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of clinical research protocols, regulatory requirements and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
Strong organizational, communication and analytical skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of personnel, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Highly detail-oriented and excellent time management skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with elderly patients
Ability to provide instruction and training to research personnel
Ability to develop and maintain research databases
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data
Knowledge of geriatric medicine and gerontological care
Ability to evaluate research data for accuracy and completeness
Ability to prepare reports and documentation related to clinical research

The ability to effectively coordinate geriatric clinical research is a critical skill for anyone in the field. This requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as an understanding of the relevant regulations and guidelines. Effective coordination requires the ability to plan, track, and manage multiple research projects simultaneously, staying abreast of changes and developments.

In addition, it is essential to have a thorough knowledge of the unique needs of elderly research participants and their families. Without this knowledge, researchers may be unable to adequately address the health concerns of their patients and secure the necessary resources to ensure the safety of their participants. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of data collection methods and their associated ethical considerations is paramount for successful coordination of geriatric clinical research.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How have your past experiences prepared you for this role as a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator?
What challenges have you encountered in previous clinical research roles?
How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail when conducting clinical research?
How do you handle difficult or irate patients or family members during clinical research trials?
Describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects at once with competing deadlines.
How do you balance the demands of a clinical research trial with other duties?
What strategies do you use to keep track of data and ensure accuracy in clinical trials?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage competing demands in a clinical research setting?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot any issues that arise in a clinical research trial?
Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision in a clinical research setting.

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Office Suite. A suite of programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook that can be used to create documents, store data, and manage communications. (eg: Creating reports in Microsoft Word)
Electronic Health Record (EHR) System. A computerized system that stores medical information about patients and can be used to track patient care. (eg: Recording patient vitals in an EHR system)
Clinical Trial Management Software. Software that helps to manage clinical trial activities such as tracking enrollment, monitoring patient outcomes, and collecting data. (eg: Entering patient data into a clinical trial management system)
SurveyMonkey. A web-based survey tool used to design, distribute, and analyze surveys. (eg: Sending patient satisfaction surveys through SurveyMonkey)
Data Analysis Software. Software used to analyze data and create visualizations such as charts, graphs, and maps. (eg: Analyzing patient data in SPSS)
Qualtrics. A web-based survey tool used to design and analyze surveys. (eg: Analyzing patient survey results in Qualtrics)
Statistics Software. Software used to perform statistical analysis and generate statistical reports. (eg: Performing regression analysis in SAS)
Gantt Chart Software. Software used to create Gantt charts that illustrate the timeline and progress of a project. (eg: Creating a Gantt chart to track the progress of a clinical trial)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geriatrics Society
American Medical Directors Association
Society of Geriatric Oncology
Gerontological Society of America
International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
National Institute on Aging
Alliance for Aging Research
National Council on Aging
International Longevity Center

We also have Geriatrics Certified Nursing Assistant, Geriatrics Home Health Nurse, and Geriatrics Behavioral Health Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Geriatrics. The field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders that affect the elderly.
Clinical Research. A systematic process of conducting experiments and collecting data to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and/or effectiveness of a medical device, drug, or procedure.
Epidemiology. The study of the causes, distribution, and control of diseases in populations.
Clinical Trials. Studies conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a drug, device, or procedure before it is approved for general use.
Clinical Protocols. Detailed plans for conducting clinical trials.
Data Analysis. The process of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data to draw conclusions about a subject or population.
Quality Assurance. A system of procedures and processes used to ensure that products and services meet certain standards of quality.
Regulatory Compliance. A process of ensuring that a product or service meets all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator? A1: A Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator is a professional who works with geriatric patients to coordinate and manage clinical research projects. They are responsible for recruiting and managing research participants, collecting data, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Q2: What qualifications are needed to become a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator? A2: To become a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator, a person must typically have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as nursing, public health, or psychology. They must also have experience working with geriatrics and knowledge of clinical research procedures. Q3: What skills are required to be successful in the role of a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator? A3: To be successful in the role of a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator, one must have strong communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently. They must also be detail-oriented and possess knowledge of research protocols and regulations. Q4: What are some of the duties of a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator? A4: The duties of a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator include recruiting and managing research participants, collecting data, preparing reports and presentations, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. They may also assist with developing study protocols and interpreting data. Q5: What is the average salary of a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator? A5: The average salary of a Geriatrics Clinical Research Coordinator can vary depending on experience and location, but typically ranges between $50,000 and $75,000 per year.

Web Resources

Geriatrics Health Services Clinical Research | Department of www.medicine.wisc.edu
Full-Time Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator opportunity! geriatrics.ucsf.edu
Research | Department of Geriatrics | SUNY Upstate Medical www.upstate.edu