Monday, December 13, 2010

Know more about Clinical Trial Management

Clinical trials
Clinical trials are tests or experiments conducted in a research laboratory to check the effectiveness of a drug/ medicine, before making it available for consumption. It is the application of the scientific method to human health. There has to be a proper management of clinical trials, since these trials and experiments involve human subjects and can at times severely affect the well-being of the people involved.

Clinical Trial Management
Clinical Trial Management is a widely used term in clinical research. It refers to the technology and processes used in the management of clinical data, to produce a high-quality database. It is the process of collecting, entering and tracking data recorded during clinical trials. To most, Clinical Trial Management refers to a standard driven process led by a project manager and backed by a team of researchers.

The Clinical Trial Management Team handles the work involved in clinical trials. This team is like the lifeblood of the core initiative, headed by a sponsor who is the driving force. The members of the team includes dedicated, qualified and experienced Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), backed by excellence in scientific knowledge and experience in the efficient handling of clinical trials.

Gather information. Share results.The growth of technology and the pace, at which science is influencing the medical world, has resulted in the birth of customizable software to assist in Clinical Trial Management. This is known as the Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS). The CTMS is used by the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries in the smoother operation of clinical trials. It is of great use as it helps in managing the huge amount of data work involved in the clinical trial operations.

Advantages of a having a Clinical Trial Management System: - Assists in planning and preparation of data involved in clinical trials
-Acts as a digital dashboard for clinical trial managers
-Helps track deadlines and milestones for regulatory approvals or issue of progress reports

Investment in CTMS helps in better management of data, cost cutting and better communication, which is very much essential in the complicated arena of clinical trial undertakings.

High cost of management
Secure technology solutions are needed to improve the efficiency level of clinical trials. These solutions will improve relations between clinical researchers and ease the exchange of information across boundaries. However, some of the existing technologies have adverse risks involved. Divergent data standards place crucial information beyond easy reach. A standard technology platform needs to be in place, without which the clinical trial management is a little hard to access as per requirement.

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Monday, December 6, 2010

Clinical Trial Management

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are tests or experiments conducted in a research laboratory to check the effectiveness of a drug/ medicine, before making it available for consumption. It is the application of the scientific method to human health. There has to be a proper management of clinical trials, since these trials and experiments involve human subjects and can at times severely affect the well-being of the people involved.

Clinical Trial Management

Clinical Trial Management is a widely used term in clinical research. It refers to the technology and processes used in the management of clinical data, to produce a high-quality database. It is the process of collecting, entering and tracking data recorded during clinical trials. To most, Clinical Trial Management refers to a standard driven process led by a project manager and backed by a team of researchers.

The Clinical Trial Management Team handles the work involved in clinical trials. This team is like the lifeblood of the core initiative, headed by a sponsor who is the driving force. The members of the team includes dedicated, qualified and experienced Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), backed by excellence in scientific knowledge and experience in the efficient handling of clinical trials.

Gather information. Share results

The growth of technology and the pace, at which science is influencing the medical world, has resulted in the birth of customizable software to assist in Clinical Trial Management. This is known as the Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS). The CTMS is used by the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries in the smoother operation of clinical trials. It is of great use as it helps in managing the huge amount of data work involved in the clinical trial operations. 

Advantages of a having a Clinical Trial Management System:

- Assists in planning and preparation of data involved in clinical trials
- Acts as a digital dashboard for clinical trial managers
- Helps track deadlines and milestones for regulatory approvals or issue of progress reports

Investment in CTMS helps in better management of data, cost cutting and better communication, which is very much essential in the complicated arena of clinical trial undertakings.

High cost of management

Secure technology solutions are needed to improve the efficiency level of clinical trials. These solutions will improve relations between clinical researchers and ease the exchange of information across boundaries. However, some of the existing technologies have adverse risks involved. Divergent data standards place crucial information beyond easy reach. A standard technology platform needs to be in place, without which the clinical trial management is a little hard to access as per requirement. 

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Monday, November 29, 2010

It is revolution time in the clinical research world- Electronic data capture

Clinical management is catching up as an independent area/ profession, where many young minds can now dream of building a successful career. With the rise in computerization and technology, there is a growing need for research companies who undertake clinical trials to shift base to a completely paperless environment. Especially to avoid human errors as far as data capture is concerned. Employment of sophisticated hardware and software will help to streamline and eliminate duplication of the clinical trial process.
There is a growing need for efficient management of data during clinical trials. This is where the necessity of having a clinical data management system in place emerges. Clinical trials are tests or experiments conducted in a research laboratory to check the effectiveness of a drug/ medicine, before making it available for prescription. The investigated data has to be recorded for future references. In order to reduce human errors, it is essential to get a superior quality data management system in place. 
Many pharmaceutical companies are willing to invest in this electronic data capture process for higher validation. With technology making life so simpler, embracing a web based solution is what will give various entrepreneurs in the medical field a competitive edge.
The search for an effective solution stops online.Every opportunity has an opposition. The implementation of clinical data management system initiates decision making. It involves a lot of detailing, ensuring the systems are in place, etc. Not only is it necessary to initiate a new system in place but it is equally important to ensure that the outcome will be beneficial. The clinical data management system has the capacity to take the efficiency level of clinical trials to a completely new dimension.
An electronic data management solution will ensure:
-         Faster and effective clinical trial procedures
-         Efficient collection of patient information and data on the drug/ medicine
-         High accuracy of data
-         Full electronic audit trail
With the advent of online web based data management software, it is possible to dream about a virtual world in clinical data management. Advanced technological expertise, implementation and integration of superior clinical data management software can make this dream a reality. 

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Doctors v/s Clinical Research Associates

Everyone is familiar with the term ‘doctor’. But how many actually know who a ‘Clinical Research Associate’ is. Many are aware of the various courses available in medicine and the colleges and institutes offering these courses in medicine. But how many actually know about clinical research and the institutes that provide education and training for the same.
Well, to those who want to know more, Clinical research is an amazing part of medical science that deals with ensuring the effectiveness of medicine before launching it in the market for consumption. 
A Clinical Research Associate has to conduct medical tests to ensure that the product is fine and effective enough, and it would not result in any ill-effects on humans. These tests are conducted on new as well as currently marketed drugs.
Who can be a Clinical Research Associate?
An aspiring graduate, a pharmacist or a technologist, a P.H.D Science holder, etc. are the ones who can opt to study clinical research training. Usually a person with an academic degree in Life Sciences is considered as a prospective candidate for Clinical Research. The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) can work as an independent freelancer or along with a sponsor company to conduct clinical trials/ tests. 
A Clinical Research Associate sets up, monitors and completes the procedures involved in a clinical/ medical test. During this process, the CRA understands and studies the benefits, ill-effects and risks of a medicinal product. Various trials are done on people with diseases and even on healthy people.
Clinical trials are essential in the development of new medicine and treatments.  The CRAs also assist in passing the findings to the research community. Generally pharmaceutical companies undertake clinical trials to determine the following:
- Side effects, if any
- Drug metabolism
- Effectiveness of the product
- Dosage amounts and intervals
- Impact on the quality of life of a person
- How a new medicine should be administered (i.e. by mouth or injection)
Today, Clinical Research as a career is rapidly growing. Students who graduate in this stream can enter the hospital sector, research industries and can also move on to management roles.

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Switch to an advancing career in Clinical research


The Clinical Research industry is growing at an enormous speed of 30% annually. And so are the opportunities for employment rising in this arena. Not only is it an alluring career but also it includes a good financial package in return. A Clinical Research Analyst can earn a decent to high salary with a few years of experience.

What is Clinical Research?
Clinical Research is a subject that involves studying a drug from its inception to understanding its effectiveness, safety and treatment intended for human use. Before a medicine reaches the market, it has to go through a lengthy process of trials for an approval and confirmation making it fit to be prescribed for patients. A Clinical Research analyst is a person who conducts these trials to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the new medicine. These tests are conducted on healthy subjects as well as patients suffering from various diseases.

A study by RNCOS, a research firm, estimates that the clinical trial outsourced market in India will grow at a compound annual growth rate of at least 30%, between 2010 and 2012 to around $600 million. This extensive pace of growth is set to make India one of the most preferred destinations for clinical trials. Not just in India, but world over there is a growing need for well-trained clinical research professionals. Countries like India, Europe, and China are constantly looking out for clinically skilled professionals. It is estimated that in the next 5 years, the world will need at least 50,000 trained professionals.

So if you have a science background, and are longing to move further in the arena of medicine, then Clinical Research is a great option and an opportunity to build a career. Most institutes offer classroom or online based training courses that puts you on fast track career growth in pharmaceutical industry. In India, there are many institutes that offer guidance and training in Clinical Research. Getting enrolled at the right institute is equally important as the degree, per se. The history of the Research institute, qualified staff, years of experience and expertise will ensure that you imbibe the skills needed to convert theory into industry ready professionals. With trained professionals getting into this field, the success rate is bound to increase creating more growth opportunities. The career doesn’t stop at becoming a Clinical Research Associate. It only begins here. You can evolve further as a CRA Manager, Project Manager, Biostatistician, Safety Manager, Director Clinical Research Operations, Vice President or acquiring CEO position in a multinational company at the pinnacle of your career.

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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Become a Clinical Research Specialist. Enroll today!

A 60 Billion Dollar Industry awaits you.
Clinical research is that part of medical science that determines the safety of medicines and the well-being of the ones who consume them. The clinical research industry is growing at an unparalleled rate, generating employment to many. If you are a medical graduate and are wondering what to do next, you must consider Clinical research as a career.
If you do so, you will be tapping into a salary that is comparatively higher than the other sectors. There are numerous institutes and organizations that provide specialized training courses in clinical research. These courses are basically adopted by students, pharmaceutical companies, CROs and healthcare companies.
Most of these institutes offer many advantages:
-          Classroom courses or online based training i.e. distance & e-learning
-          High quality course content
-          Professional and cost-effective
-          Targeted modules

Who is a Clinical Research Associate?
A Clinical Research Associate is like an inspector, who supervises the conduct of clinical trials.
Clinical trials are tests done on medicines before launching them in the market. It is generally the pharmaceutical companies and research labs who conduct these tests. A Clinical Research Associate ensures that the medical data is authentic and that the product is safe, as far as the health and well being of humans are concerned.


Clinical Research Courses
ICRI, St. Xavier’s College, CREMA India are few of the institutes in India that provide specialized training in Clinical Research. The fulltime courses provided in Clinical Research includes modules like: Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research Management, M.S.C in Clinical Trials & Drug Development Data Management and MBA in Healthcare Management. Some of these institutes also provide part-time courses like the Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research.
 The prospects who desire to do a clinical research course are required to have a Bachelor’s, P.HD in science or an allied field OR the person must be a health care professional; like a pharmacist or medical technologist. A Proper research on the list of institutes that offer courses in clinical research will be of great help, before getting yourself enrolled. Also knowing the history, qualification and experience of teachers will be beneficial. These specialized Clinical Research courses will give you a better direction and understanding of responsibilities in conducting clinical trials.  And with added professionals in this field, there will be a guarantee of the quality of products being introduced in the market.

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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Clinical Research Training

Research and development in Pharma industry:
Every medical product has to be tried and tested before being launched in the market. It is the pharmaceutical companies and research organizations who normally conduct these trials and tests to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medicine, before it is launched in the market. A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is the person who is responsible for conducting these tests, while adhering to the rules and regulations laid by the government and also ensuring the health and safety of people. These tests are done on healthy people as well as on patients suffering from some illness.
Seal your future with a clinically approved profession:
Are you a science graduate? Or someone with an experience in health care? Or may be you are just somebody, waiting to have a budding career in health care/medical science. If yes, then you must consider opting for Clinical Research Training. In India, the Clinical Research industry is growing at an enormous rate of 30% annually.  It is estimated that in the next 5 years, the world will need at least 50,000 trained professionals. So the number speaks as to how big an industry, you can actually be tapping into. Not only is it one of the growing industry, but it also offers great financial packages. You can earn anywhere from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 40,000. Isn’t that good enough to get a head start!
How far can you go as a CRA?
Clinicians, pharmacists and therapists who can conduct clinical research in a multi-disciplinary research environment, are the need of the hour. There is a growing requirement of clinical researchers, who have the ability to convert clinical knowledge into practice and deliver high quality care.
Once you become a qualified CRA, there is no turning back. You have diverse options to go even further.  The various positions that can be explored include; Clinical Research Coordinators (CRC), CRA Managers, Project Managers, Research & Development Project Managers, GCP QA/QC Auditors, Data Managers/Biostatisticians, Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Professionals, Safety Managers, Corporate Managers, Clinical Research Trainers, Clinical Site Managers and Business Development Professionals.
In
India, you can find institutes that offer specific courses in Clinical Research Training. Study the institute before getting enrolled and learn more about the qualification and experience of the teachers. Once you are sure of most of these, you are all set for a bright future ahead.  

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