Clinical Research Assistant - Emergency Medicine

The Ohio State University

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Research Assistant serves as a health promotion advocate in the Emergency Department’s PH2S/HealthNow Program, a population health-focused program that addresses health needs proactively, particularly among patients who may be living with HIV, Hepatitis C, or substance use. The role identifies and supports populations at risk, helps patients connect with community resources, and performs clinical-support and administrative functions under the direction of the Clinical Research Manager or Project Leader and in cooperation with patient care teams. The assistant screens patients at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center facilities at the East and Main campuses for health-related services and research opportunities. Activities may include screening and education related to OUD/SUD, HIV testing, HCV, harm reduction, naloxone distribution, and barriers to engaging with the health system. The role conducts interviews and questionnaires, coordinates applicable point-of-care testing, explains program processes, consents and enrolls eligible research participants, discusses screening results, and refers patients to appropriate care or linkage services. The position also supports community-based clinical research studies through participant recruitment, eligibility assessment, informed consent support, data collection and entry, record maintenance, reporting, and preparation of study files. The assistant collaborates with investigators, research staff, sponsors, clinical services, and linkage-to-care teams, while maintaining patient confidentiality and using client-centered communication, including motivational interviewing. Work may take place in varied settings as needed and approved by the medical director, stakeholders, and administrators.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, or a medical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
No years of relevant experience required.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of patient records and research information.
The position requires successful completion of a background check; a drug screen or physical may be required during the post-offer process.

Nice To Haves

Two to four years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Screen patients and receive referrals for patients potentially eligible for HealthNow Program activities.
Approach patients and explain HealthNow program processes and services.
Interview patients and administer questionnaires in a courteous, professional, and empathetic manner to identify health needs.
Consent and enroll participants in eligible research studies and assist with informed consent processes.
Complete approved point-of-care clinical and confirmatory tests for diagnostic screening and assessment, including rapid HIV testing and risk screening, and discuss results with patients.
Refer patients to the next level of care, linkage services, community resources, or appropriate HealthNow Program team members.
Address patient concerns through active listening and escalate concerns to the care team as needed.
Research and remain up to date on services and programs within and outside the OSU network to match patient needs with resources.
Work with clinical services and linkage-to-care teams to ensure referrals are completed and patient needs are assessed.
Use motivational interviewing, open-ended questions, and client-centered counseling to gather patient information and communicate it promptly to linkage coordinators or care teams.
Participate in recruitment of study participants and collect information relevant to determining eligibility for study protocols.
Assist with cognitive testing for clinical and research visits and with continuity of care for study patients during and between clinic visits.
Collect, enter, maintain, analyze, interpret, and report clinical research data.
Enter protocol, medical history, demographic, and clinical data into appropriate data capture and electronic medical record systems.
Review data and progress notes with research specialists, clinical research coordinators, principal investigators, and sponsor agencies as appropriate.
Maintain patient records and study files, ensuring strict confidentiality, and prepare protocol files for data audits.
Assist with developing data collection plans and forms for new research protocols.
Prepare research result summaries for protocol evaluation, abstracts, and manuscripts.
Collect, analyze, and compile data for progress reports and maintain appropriate tracking and reporting systems.
Compose and respond to correspondence from principal investigators.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Clinical Manager.