Fundamentals for oncology nurse/data managers--preparing for a new role.

The nurse's role as a clinical trial data manager is a vital component of the success of the trial. Physicians rely on the nurse's expertise as a skilled observer to gather clinical data; act as a liaison to the many agencies involved in the study; instruct patients, families, and colleagues; and assess the information gathered. However, information about the nurse/data manager role is scarce. This article reviews information useful for the nurse assuming a clinical trial data manager position and for the nurse caring for patients on a research protocol.