Clinical data managers accurately record statistical information and clinical trial results, ensuring eligibility requirements are met and data is entered accurately. They work with researchers to confirm results and deliver completed reports to authorities. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in research psychology, medicine, or life sciences is typically required, as well as experience in information technology and computer systems management. Certification exams may also be required or sought after.
A clinical data manager ensures that statistical information and clinical trial results are accurately recorded. A professional is usually involved in all aspects of a study, from selecting qualified participants to publishing the final scientific papers. Clinical data managers record information about medication effects on patients, daily experimental data, and ongoing issues in a study. Most clinical data manager jobs are found in government organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology companies.
Careful data management is essential to ensure the effectiveness of a study. A clinical data manager may participate in a study for a new drug, behavior therapy technique, or other type of health experiment in which human subjects are used. Prior to judging, the data manager must record information about participants. For a study to produce meaningful results, subjects must meet several eligibility requirements. The data manager records information about participants’ age, gender, weight, medical history, and other pertinent factors.
Once a trial is underway, the clinical data manager enters information about the type, dosage, and effects of drugs on each group of participants. He or she must be scrupulous in data entry to ensure accuracy. A single displaced figure can significantly skew the results of a study. The data manager works with the researchers to make accurate statistical calculations and confirm the results.
The clinical data manager delivers results and completed reports from a study to the appropriate authorities for review. If discrepancies or unlikely results are found, the data manager must go back through hundreds of pages of information in an attempt to identify and correct errors. Accurate results are required for a drug or treatment to be declared acceptable for mass manufacturing and distribution.
Most practicing clinical data managers hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees from accredited universities. A degree in research psychology, medicine, or the life sciences can prepare an individual for the atmosphere of clinical trials. Also, formal experience in information technology and computer systems management is required to get some jobs. A new clinical data manager usually starts their career as an assistant to an established professional in order to gain experience and learn about the detailed job responsibilities.
Some states and countries require clinical data managers to pass certification exams before being authorized to oversee trials. Even in companies and countries that don’t require certification, many hopeful data managers seek voluntary credentials to improve their resumes and their chances of finding good jobs. Most written or computer-based certification exams test a person’s knowledge of common computer terminology, techniques, and programs. Examinations often emphasize the importance of the ethical and legal constraints involved in clinical trials.
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