The impact of Clinical Trials Radiographers on set-up and recruitment to radiotherapy trials

Background

The primary role of the Clinical Trials Radiographer (CTR) within the UK workforce is the set-up and initiation of new trials, and recruitment of patients. There is very little published evidence to indicate the impact and value of the CTR. The aim of this study is to describe the evolving role of the CTR and to quantify impact on set-up, and recruitment to Radiotherapy (RT) clinical trials.

Results

The number of trials approved and opened annually, number of open studies within the portfolio, and number of patients recruited have all increased alongside the number of CTR hours.

Conclusion

The data provides quantitative evidence to support the impact of the CTR role and its value in a RT department’s research infrastructure. This reinforces the need to consider the CTR position in long term funding and future workforce planning.