INC Research has become the first global CRO to implement the Clinical Research Monitor Accreditation program, an internationally recognized standard for competence in clinical research monitoring offered through the International Academy of Clinical Research (IAoCR). The new Clinical Credentialing program standardizes training of clinical research associates (CRAs) and establishes INC Research as the first accredited training center in the U.S.
 
IAoCR’s credentialing process focuses on independent verification of an individual’s ability to monitor clinical trials effectively in real-life situations. INC Research will train its CRAs, beginning with entry-level monitors, according to the new IAoCR program.
 
“INC Research is committed to providing the best clinical development services to our biopharmaceutical partners, including the most highly trained and competent monitoring staff in the industry,” said Alistair Macdonald, chief operating officer. “The Clinical Credential program will validate INC Research monitors’ capabilities against globally recognized best practices, including recognition and reporting of adverse events, understanding regulatory processes, preparing for successful site initiations and site visits and more. Customers can therefore be confident the CRAs assigned to their studies are not only well trained and field tested, but also that their skills have been certified against an independent quality standard.”
 
“Competent monitors play an essential role in getting new treatments to market faster while protecting the rights and wellbeing of patients involved in clinical trials,” said Jacqueline Johnson North, chief executive officer of IAoCR. “That’s why offering programs that regulate and standardize training for CRAs is so important. I commend INC Research for being the first global CRO to embrace this program.”