Clarifying the role of clinical research nurses working in Sweden, using the clinical trial nursing questionnaire : swedish version

Aim: To explore the role of CRNs in Sweden and differences in competences and tasks, using the Clinical Trial Nursing Questionnaire - Swedish version (CTNQ-SWE). Design: A cross-sectional survey. Methods: Participants were identified through strategic sampling. Data were analysed by descriptive and comparative statistics. Results: The respondents were experienced nurses who felt proficient in their role, they felt more acceptance by the principal investigators than by nursing colleagues. A majority of CRNs are involved in all procedures specified in the CTNQ-SWE. The most often performed tasks, also rated as the most important by the CRNs, concerned informed consent and management of investigational products. The education was often informal: with a lack of job descriptions and professional development plans. Need of formal specialist education was expressed. Conclusions: Knowledge about the role description can be used by clinical research enterprise internationally and healthcare organizations aiming to support CRNs in their role.