A clinical data manager ensures that statistical data and clinical trial results are accurately recorded. Every aspect of a trial, from selecting qualified participants to publishing final scientific papers, is usually overseen by a professional. Clinical data managers keep track of information such as medication side effects, daily experimental data, and study issues. Government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology companies employ the majority of clinical data managers.
To ensure a study’s efficacy, careful data management is required. A clinical data manager might take part in a clinical trial for a new medication, a behavior therapy technique, or another type of health experiment that involves humans. The data manager must keep track of participant information prior to the trial. Subjects must meet a number of criteria in order for a study to yield meaningful results. The data manager keeps track of the participants’ ages, genders, weights, medical histories, and other relevant information.
The clinical data manager enters information about the type, dosage, and effects of medications on each group of participants once the trial is underway. To ensure accuracy, he or she must be meticulous in data entry. A single erroneous figure can significantly skew the findings of a study. The data manager collaborates with researchers to perform precise statistical calculations and verify findings.
The clinical data manager submits a study’s results and final reports for review to the appropriate authorities. If discrepancies or unexpected results are discovered, the data manager must sift through hundreds of pages of data to find and correct errors. For a drug or treatment to be approved for mass production and distribution, precise results are required.
Most clinical data managers have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized university. A degree in research psychology, medicine, or life science can help someone prepare for working in a clinical trial setting. In addition, some jobs require formal experience with information technology and computer systems management. A new clinical data manager typically starts out as an assistant to an experienced professional in order to gain experience and learn about the job’s specific responsibilities.
Before being allowed to supervise trials, some states and countries require clinical data managers to pass certification exams. Many aspiring data managers pursue voluntary credentials to improve their resumes and their chances of landing good jobs, even in companies and countries that do not require certification. The majority of certification exams are written or computer-based, and they assess an individual’s knowledge of common terminology, techniques, and computer programs. Exams frequently stress the importance of clinical testing ethics and legal constraints.