Qualitative analysis of clinical research coordinators' role in phase I cancer clinical trials

Background: Clinical research coordinators play a pivotal role in phase I cancer clinical trials.

Purpose: We clarified the care coordination and practice for patients provided by clinical research coordinators in phase I cancer clinical trials in Japan and elucidated clinical research coordinators' perspective on patients' expectations and understanding of these trials.

Method: Fifteen clinical research coordinators participated in semi-structured interviews regarding clinical practices; perceptions of patients' expectations; and the challenges that occur before, during, and after phase I cancer clinical trials.

Discussion: Qualitative content analysis showed that most clinical research coordinators observed that patients have high expectations from the trials. Most listened to patients to confirm patients' understanding and reflected on responses to maintain hope, but to avoid excessive expectations; clinical research coordinators considered avoiding unplanned endings; and they aimed to establish good relationships between patients, medical staff, and among the professional team.

Conclusions: Clinical research coordinators were insightful about the needs of patients and took a meticulous approach to the phase I cancer clinical trial process, allowing time to connect with patients and to coordinate the inter-professional research team. Additionally, education in advanced oncology care was valuable for comforting participants in cancer clinical trials.