Irene Watpool

My extensive experience in implementing over 65 clinical trials in the ICU and my clinical expertise allows me to critique both internal and external draft protocols for clarity, feasibility and budget requirements so that a trial can be conducted successfully. 

I am currently a Research Program Manager in Critical Care at The Ottawa Hospital. In my role as a Program Manager, I am responsible for the day-to-day coordination of research endeavours within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) including serving as a resource / facilitator to scientists, research coordinators and support staff. Previously I have worked as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical areas such as Cardiology, Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. 

My extensive experience in implementing over 65 clinical trials in the ICU and my clinical expertise allows me to critique both internal and external draft protocols for clarity, feasibility and budget requirements so that a trial can be conducted successfully. I have developed and reviewed budgets, data collection tools and procedure manuals ranging from small observational studies to multi-centre definitive trials such as the recent CIHR granted multi-center study, Age of Blood Evaluation (ABLE) Trial in the Resuscitation of Critically Ill Patients. On behalf of multi-centered Principal Investigators that work at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute I have monitored external sites involved in their clinical trial for regulatory and protocol compliance. 
 
As a Research Program Manger I am responsible for up to 8 research coordinators, research assistants and students in our research program. I provide training, supervision and mentorship for all aspects of the research process. I monitor adherence to all protocol and regulatory requirements to ensure the integrity of the clinical trials. I liaise with the medical, nursing and allied health services of the Critical Care Department so that all trials are implemented smoothly, with little impact to the bedside staff and with respect to the patients and their families. The success of our program has led new investigators to seek our advice on how to implement a research program at their institution. 
 
In conclusion, my clinical, research and management experience allows me to contribute key components so that a successful clinical trial can be achieved.