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Intensive Care Research Coordinators Interest Group (IRCIG)

Background

The field of clinical trials research in the Intensive Care environment has expanded significantly over the previous decade. The number of clinical trials being conducted in Australia and New Zealand has increased dramatically and commensurate with this, the complexity of the research projects has risen. In 1998 the pivotal role of Research Co-ordinators (RC) in managing the conduct of clinical trials in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Australia and New Zealand had gained increased recognition. It also became apparent that many RCs were working in isolation in this dynamic but ultimately stressful environment. Therefore, RCs often lacked the guidance and support, which can be offered by their peers.

In response to these concerns, a group of dedicated RCs from Australia and New Zealand, with the support of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group (ANZICS CTG), formed the Intensive care Research Coordinators Interest Group (IRCIG). The IRCIG was formalised in March 2000 with its first meeting and the election of a committee.

The Intensive Care Research Coordinator Interest Group (IRCIG) is:

  • The IRCIG is an endorsed working group of the ANZICS CTG, consistent with the principles contained within the ANZICS CTG Terms of Reference and ANZICS Regulations
  • A collective of dedicated Research Coordinators (RC) who collaborate to support and facilitate the activities of the CTG
  • A subgroup which has representation on the CTG Executive Committee

The specific aims of the IRCIG are to:

  • Provide peer support for ICU RCs
  • Assist with communication between ICU RCs throughout Australia and New Zealand
  • Endeavour to meet the educational requirements of ICU RCs
  • Promote recognition of the pivotal role of the ICU RC in clinical trials
  • Provide a forum for discussion of issues related to ICU RCs
  • Advise the ANZICS CTG on issues concerning ICU RCs
  • Promote ICU inter-hospital nursing and RC related research projects
  • Ensure ANZICS CTG studies receive input from RCs through representation on project executive committees and review of projects submitted to the CTG for endorsement