CRO INC Research has implemented 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 CRAs and establishes INC Research as the first accredited training center in the U.S.

Alistair Macdonald, INC Research chief operating officer, said, "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. Customers can 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."

By ensuring its CRAs meet the Clinical Credentialing standard, INC is positioned to reduce risks to patients and lower error rates thereby helping to accelerate new treatments to market.

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, a process spanning two to three months including field tests.

"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.

Founded in 2011, IAoCR is a standard for accreditation of professionals working in the clinical research industry. IAoCR courses and accreditations are recognized by educational institutes and employers globally and are mapped to international qualification frameworks.