Nurse Liaison Support to Safeguard the Scientific Rigor of Multisite Clinical Trials

Background The nurse liaison within the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology network supports the implementation of National Cancer Institute–supported multisite clinical trials by serving as a centralized point of communication for site research staff. In the context of large-scale studies involving over 100 enrolling sites, timely and effective email communication presents ongoing challenges. Objectives The aims of this study were to explore the communication, education, and support strategies used by a dedicated nurse liaison in a multisite clinical trial, and to examine how the nurse liaison’s responses contributed to staff satisfaction, growth, knowledge, and confidence, while promoting patient safety and research fidelity through relationship-centered, caring communication. Methods We conducted a content analysis of email communications between research site staff and the study-dedicated nurse for a multisite clinical trial (Alliance A221805). The Quality-Caring Model provided the theoretical framework for this qualitative study and guided the codebook structure used for content analysis of email queries. Results Thematic saturation was reached after analyzing 318 emails from clinical research professionals between May 1, 2020, and March 21, 2023, representing 91 sites and 36 states. Most inquiries were from registered nurses (68%). Emerged themes revealed nurse liaison contributions—education, validation, and caring—which aligned with theoretical domains: research staff knowledge, patient safety, and research fidelity. Conclusions Nurse liaisons have a critical role in supporting multisite clinical trials by (1) educating/supporting study staff, (2) enhancing patient safety, and (3) ensuring high-quality research outcomes. Implications for Practice Nurse liaisons’ caring communication may have a positive impact on research staff knowledge and confidence.