Who is defined as the investigator in a clinical trial?

In a clinical trial, the investigator is the lead individual overseeing the conduct of the trial. This person has the primary responsibility for the design, implementation, and overall management of the study, ensuring that it is conducted in compliance with the regulatory requirements and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. The investigator is crucial in the recruitment of participants, monitoring their progress, collecting data, and ensuring the safety and welfare of those involved in the trial.

This role involves direct interaction with study subjects, making critical decisions regarding their treatment and safety based on the trial's protocol. The investigator serves as a link between the research team and the trial subjects, and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the data collected during the trial. This definition highlights the importance of the investigator's role in ensuring the scientific and ethical standards are upheld throughout the study process.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the investigator. The financial aspects of the trial are usually managed by administrative personnel, subjects participating in the trial are the recipients of the interventions being studied, and administrative support staff are there to assist but do not have the authoritative responsibilities that the investigator has.