US-based clinical research organisation (CRO) INC Research says it is the first global CRO to implement the Clinical Research Monitor Accreditation programme run by the International Academy of Clinical Research (IAoCR).
The IAoCR programme is an internationally recognised standard for competence in clinical research monitoring.
The CRO’s new Clinical Credentialing programme standardises training of clinical research associates (CRAs) and establishes INC Research as the first accredited training centre in the US for these competencies, it notes.
Launched in response to growing demand for accreditation of clinical research professionals in the industry, IAoCR’s credentialling process focuses on independent verification of an individual’s ability to monitor clinical trials effectively in real-life situations, INC explains.
The company will train its CRAs according to the IAoCR programme, beginning with entry-level monitors. The training process is expected to last two to three months, including field tests.
Global standard
IAoCR was set up in 2011 and is “fast becoming the globally recognised standard for accreditation of professionals working in the international clinical research industry”, INC says.
The CRO is “committed to providing the best clinical development services to our biopharmaceutical partners, including the most highly trained and competent monitoring staff in the industry,” commented chief operating officer Alistair Macdonald.
Its Clinical Credentialing programme will validate the capabilities of INC trial monitors against globally recognised best practices, including recognition and reporting of adverse events, understanding of regulatory processes, and preparing for successful site initiations/visit, he added.
“Customers can therefore be confident the CRAs assigned to their studies are not only well trained and field tested, but also that their skills have been certified against an independent quality standard.”
