Perceptions of clinical research delivery and the Clinical Research Nurse

“The Clinical Research Nurse (CRN) role makes an important contribution to realising the aims of the wider health agenda. Despite its continuing evolution and longevity, the CRN role appears to be one of the least understood outwith the field of clinical research delivery in healthcare settings. The lack of understanding presents additional challenges to those in the role, despite numerous attempts to articulate the core elements of the work through
various publications.”

This novel realist review has served as a useful opportunity to utilise realist methodology in this subject area and to draw together a variety of literature, both empirical and non-empirical, in relation to the CRN role. The nature and multiplicity of the challenges outlined provides an indepth insight into the complex reality of implementing the delivery of research in the NHS, identifying what works and what is perceived to not work in the eyes of the CRN, and the contexts in which such mechanisms are thought to be triggered.

Tinkler L, Robertson S, Tod A. Multi-professional perceptions of clinical research delivery and the Clinical Research Nurse role: a realist review. J Res Nurs. 2022 Mar;27(1-2):9-29. Free Full Text