Motivators and Stressors for Canadian Research Coordinators in Critical Care: The MOTIVATE Survey

Ellen McDonald; Nicole Zytaruk; Diane Heels-Ansdell; Orla Smith; Debbie Borges; Lori Hand; France Clarke; Aussama Nassar; Michael Bennardo; Deborah Cook; Canadian Critical Care Research Coordinators’ Group

doi:10.4037/ajcc2020627

Motivators and Stressors for Canadian Research Coordinators in Critical Care: The MOTIVATE Survey

Am J Crit Care. 2020 Jan 1;29(1):41-48. doi: 10.4037/ajcc2020627.

Affiliations

¹ Ellen McDonald is a critical care research coordinator, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, and Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; she is currently a national platform research coordinator with the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group, Montreal, Canada.
² Nicole Zytaruk is a senior research associate.
³ Diane Heels-Ansdell is an assistant professor.
⁴ Orla Smith was a research manager, Critical Care Department, and is now an associate scientist, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
⁵ Debbie Borges was a nursing student, School of Nursing, McMaster University and is now a registered nursing assistant, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
⁶ Lori Hand and France Clarke are respiratory therapists and critical care research coordinators, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University.
⁷ France Clarke are respiratory therapists and critical care research coordinators, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University.
⁸ Aussama Nassar was a trauma and critical care surgeon at McMaster University and is now a clinical assistant professor of surgery, Departments of Surgery and Critical Care, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.
⁹ Michael Bennardo (deceased) was a medical student, St James School of Medicine, Anguilla.
¹⁰ Deborah Cook is a professor, Department of Medicine, and a critical care physician at St Joseph's Healthcare.

PMID: 31968081
DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2020627

Abstract

Background: Critical care research coordinators implement study protocols in intensive care units, yet little is known about their experiences.

Objective: To identify the responsibilities, stressors, motivators, and job satisfaction of critical care research coordinators in Canada.

Methods: Responses to a self-administered survey were collected in order to identify and understand factors that motivate and stress research coordinators and enhance their job satisfaction. Items were generated in 5 domains (demographics, job responsibilities, stressors, motivators, and satisfaction). Face validity pretesting was conducted and clinical sensibility was evaluated. Items were rated on 5-point Likert scales. Descriptive analyses were used to report results.

Results: The response rate was 78% (66 of 85). Most critical care research coordinators (71%) were employed full time; they were engaged in 9 studies (7 academic, 2 industry); and 49% were nurses. Of 30 work responsibilities, the most frequently cited were submitting ethics applications (89%), performing data entry (89%), and attending meetings (87%). Highest-rated stressors were unrealistic workload and weekend/holiday screening; highest-rated motivators were a positive work environment and team spirit. Overall, 26% were "very satisfied" and 53% were "satisfied" with their jobs.

Conclusions: Critical care research coordinators in Canada indicate that, despite significant work responsibilities, they are satisfied with their jobs thanks to positive work environments and team spirit.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Canada
Critical Care*
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Job Satisfaction*
Motivation*
Professional Autonomy
Research Personnel / psychology*
Stress, Psychological*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Workload