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CPCRA Units
The field level work of the CPCRA
is conducted by “units” and "affiliate units" selected by the CPCRA
Management Team. A unit is developed by individuals committed to
carrying out high quality, clinically important research in their
geographic area. Because CPCRA units are community-based, each unit
differs in its configuration, varying from geographically limited,
hospital-clinic based units to geographically widespread units with
a variety of hospital-based, private practice, community health
care, and health maintenance organization (HMO) providers.
Nonenrolling CPCRA units, called "phase-out units," continue to
follow patients already enrolled in CPCRA studies, but may not enroll
any additional patients. This does not include CPCRA units where
enrollment is temporarily suspended.
All CPCRA units have certain key personnel
in common:
- Principal Investigator. The
principal investigator is always a highly knowledgeable provider
of HIV/AIDS care with the scientific/clinical research experience
and commitment to developing and conducting clinically relevant
research of the highest quality.
- Project Coordinator. The
project coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day
activities of the unit research staff under the direction of the
principal investigator. The project coordinator coordinates the
research nursing staff and ensures the provision of staff education
and training, unit compliance with regulatory requirements, and
implementation of quality improvement procedures.
- Research Nurses. These individuals
are responsible for the direct conduct of the clinical trial and
are responsible for assuring with the provider that patients are
fully informed on all aspects of clinical trials participation.
- Social Workers/Outreach Workers.
In addition to providing direct services to research participants,
these individuals are responsible for patient and community integration
into the research unit and for outreach to local affected communities.
- Community Advisory Board (CAB).
The CAB members represent the community in all levels of unit
activity including the development and implementation of the scientific
agenda.
Characteristics of CPCRA Units
The following are key characteristics
of CPCRA units:
- HIV primary care based
- Experience in conducting
community-based trials
- Commitment to developing
and conducting clinically relevant research of the highest quality
- Principal investigator
expertise and experience
- Access to large numbers
of patients
- Demographically diverse
patient base
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