Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Suite 17 Gerry House, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
Acad Radiol. 2010 Nov;17(11):1449-54. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2010.06.002. Epub 2010 Jul 22.
As one of the newest cooperative groups funded by the National Cancer Institute in 1999, the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) is interested in conducting successful clinical research programs and pursuing quality research. The ACRIN Research Associate (RA) committee was formed in 2000 and felt it important to better understand the demographics, duties, needs, and concerns of ACRIN RAs. Therefore, in 2008, the committee conducted a survey of ACRIN RAs regarding these issues.
The survey instrument consisted of 33 multiple choice questions covering demographics, salary, job satisfaction, work load, educational background, and training. RAs completed the survey electronically in June 2008.
A total of 110 responses were received. All regions of the United States were represented. The years of experience and salary ranged widely from <1 year to 28 years and ≤$20,000 to ≥$80,000 per year. The majority of respondents held at least a bachelor's degree, with many having previous health-related clinical training; only a small percentage of respondents having had formal training in research.
Our survey summarizes the demographics and educational background of the research associates within ACRIN. This may help administrators understand the needs and characteristics of RAs participating in cooperative group research. In today's environment with tight regulatory control, it may become necessary to improve educational standards or require certification through one of the professional research organizations.
作为美国国立癌症研究所（National Cancer Institute）于 1999 年资助的最新合作组之一，美国放射学院成像网络（ACRIN）热衷于开展成功的临床研究项目和追求高质量的研究。ACRIN 研究助理（Research Associate，RA）委员会成立于 2000 年，认为更好地了解 ACRIN RAs 的人口统计学、职责、需求和关注点非常重要。因此，2008 年委员会就这些问题对 ACRIN RAs 进行了调查。
调查工具由 33 个多项选择题组成，涵盖人口统计学、薪酬、工作满意度、工作量、教育背景和培训。2008 年 6 月，RA 以电子方式完成了调查。
共收到 110 份回复。美国所有地区都有代表。经验年限和薪酬范围从 <1 年到 28 年不等，从每年 ≤$20,000 到 ≥$80,000 不等。大多数受访者至少持有学士学位，许多人有以前的健康相关临床培训；只有一小部分受访者接受过正式的研究培训。
我们的调查总结了 ACRIN 研究助理的人口统计学和教育背景。这可能有助于管理人员了解参与合作组研究的 RAs 的需求和特征。在当今监管严格的环境下，可能有必要提高教育标准或要求通过专业研究组织之一进行认证。
