Center for Clinical and Translational Science

The 16th Annual International Association of Clinical Research Nursing (IACRN) Conference held in Alexandria, Virginia was attended by 194 IACRN members. It provided a platform to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.

 

Keynote Highlights
Dr. Joni Rutter, Director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), delivered the keynote address. She highlighted the critical role of translational science in accelerating the transformation of laboratory and clinical observations into meaningful healthcare interventions. Dr. Rutter showcased the achievements of Heilbrunn Nurse Scholars Paule Joseph and Cassandra Godzik, emphasizing their contributions to translational research and their linkages to Clinical and Translational Science CTSA programs. 

NCATS was established in 2011 to address challenges in translational science. Unlike other NIH Institutes and Centers, NCATS does not focus on specific diseases, acting as a catalyst to form interdisciplinary teams and develop technologies that expedite treatment of all illnesses. 

Historical Perspectives on Clinical Research Nursing
Mary Larkin, Nurse Director from Massachusetts General Hospital, discussed the evolution of clinical research nursing practice, tracing its origins back to Nancy P. Ellicott, who served as Rockefeller’s Superintendent of Nurses from 1910-1938, and laid foundational guidelines for integrating nursing practices into clinical research paradigms. These included meticulous record keeping, careful observations, and fastidious collection of specimens. Her legacy continues to inform contemporary practices. Mary Larkin’s discussion provided valuable insights into how historical principles have shaped modern clinical practices, reinforcing the significance of nursing in the research enterprise.

Team Contributions
Rockefeller clinical research nurses made important contributions to the conference:

Jill McCabe, Nursing Clinical Operations Manager, presented on the importance of 
Team Science in clinical research, sharing competencies and insights from a needs assessment survey completed by more than 200 clinical research professionals (CRPs). The session explored how CRPs can better engage with team science competency topics and enhance their learning experiences. She also discussed the competencies required for effective team science. The focus was on understanding how often clinical research professionals utilize these competencies and identifying training preferences. 

Candy Capili, Director of Heilbrunn Family Center for Research Nursing, delivered a plenary address on study participation in clinical research. She discussed how practices can be integrated into clinical trials and address the systemic challenges to study participation. Her presentation underscored the importance of clinical trials that reflect diverse demographics for more effective treatments and decision-making. She also emphasized that tailored approaches are crucial for recruiting study participants across the life-span.