Clinical Monitors sometimes have a challenging job; they are often on the road, trying to balance work and home life. They juggle multiple studies from different Sponsors, have many relationships to maintain, sites to visit, and reports to write. At IMARC we want to always provide the very best monitoring services we can. In order to do that we must have great monitors on staff, so, what makes a great Monitor?
The list could be a mile long and vary depending on who you ask but here are five skills of great monitors:
- Know the Protocol – It is so important to have a good understanding of the protocol. That doesn’t necessarily mean have it memorized, but it means understanding what is required and knowing how to use it as a tool to reference when needed.
- Open and Frequent Communication with your Sites – Invest in that relationship so that when questions arise they feel comfortable coming to you for assistance. Even if you do not have the answer, be honest, and together you can navigate through the issue and find the solution.
- Organization and Multi Tasking – As previously mentioned, IMARC monitors juggle a variety of studies from different sponsors in multiple therapeutic areas. In order to do so, a monitor must stay organized and be able to go from one project to another in the blink of an eye.
- Flexibility – Being flexible is a factor in so many aspects of being a great monitor. You must be flexible with your schedule, be willing to move things around to accommodate when something changes. You may have big plans or a specific agenda for your site visit, but when you get there you may find out your day will look much different. Flexibility is also extremely important when you travel as much as IMARC monitors do. Taking different flights, hotels, maybe a train instead of a car, you just never know, interesting things happen when you travel!
- Attention to Detail – There are so many moving parts in clinical research. A monitor who pays extra attention to detail is essential; this indicates they respect the research subjects, the data, the sponsor, and the site team. Ensuring that every “T” is crossed and every “I” is dotted is a monitor’s way of strengthening the study.
What do you think makes a great Monitor?
The opinions expressed in this blog post are the author’s only and do not necessarily reflect those of MassDevice.com or its employees.
