Clinical research nurses may serve as the first line of
communication to participants and family members
about study progress, evolving concerns, and next
steps. Because clinical research nurses play a vital role
in detecting and documenting adverse events, their
vigilance, clinical astuteness, and knowledge of the
clinical context of the study are important factors in
decreasing risks to participants. Identifying adverse
events at the earliest point requires disciplined
training and an in-depth understanding of the scientific
basis of the research and, where applicable, the
investigational agent or device.