Patient Recruitment Officer

IntroductionRCSI Bahrain conducts two types of clinical examinations for students of the Medicine Programme. These two exams are: a) OSCE - Objective Structured Clinical Examination – For MED1, MED2, MED3, MED4 & MED5b) DOH - Direct Observed History – Also referred to as Longcase – For MED3 & MED5Each exam requires the availability of Real Patients. In the context of clinical examinations, a Real Patient refers to a person who is actively experiencing a health condition or presenting with symptoms that are being assessed by a healthcare professional.

They are the individuals whose medical history, physical examination, and overall condition are being evaluated to determine the cause of their health issue, treatment options, and prognosis. Real Patients provide a more authentic and realistic experience in clinical assessment compared to simulated or standardized patients, where a genuine connection with the patient can be fostered. Job Overview: The Patient Recruitment Officer will, proactively and compassionately, lead the recruitment and onboarding of real patients for OSCE and HOD clinical exams.

This individual will play a key role in ensuring an authentic, diverse, and educationally sound patient representation in clinical evaluations, while maintaining ethical standards and safeguarding patient well-being. Reports to: This position will report, for line management purposes, to the Head of the Department of Medicine. Key Responsibilities: Patient Recruitment & Engagement • Identify, screen, and recruit suitable individuals from the partner hospitals, to participate as patients in clinical exams. The partner hospitals include:

Bahrain Defence Force – Royal Military Services (BDF-RMS) King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) King Hamad American Mission Hospital (KHAMH) Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Specialist Cardiac Centre (MKCC) Any other hospital or clinic considered suitable and approved by RCSI Bahrain • Liaise with hospitals, clinics, patient associations, and advocacy groups to develop a reliable recruitment pipeline. • Maintain the RCSI Bahrain Patient Referral System (in Zoho Creator) of recurring and new participants, including contact details, medical background, current medical status, language capability, availability, and preferences.

Communication & Coordination • Communicate with patients to explain exam expectations, confidentiality, compensation, and other participation logistics. • Schedule patients for various exam sessions and ensure timely attendance. • Serve as the primary point of contact for all patient-related queries before, during, and after exam periods. Logistics & Support • Coordinate transportation, accommodations (if required), and other logistics for patients attending the exam site. • Ensure that patient environments meet safety and comfort standards on exam days. • Work with exam administrators (from the Academic Operations team) to ensure seamless patient integration into clinical stations.

Data Management & Compliance • Ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with Bahrain Personal Data Privacy Laws (PDPL)• Prepare consent forms and ensure informed consent is obtained and documented properly. • Monitor and report any issues related to patient safety, comfort, or complaints. RequirementsQualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Nursing, Medicine or a related field. • Experience in patient recruitment, community outreach, or clinical operations. • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. • Prior experience working in a medical education or clinical simulation environment. • Knowledge of ethical recruitment practices and clinical trial regulations.

• Proficiency in relevant database or scheduling software. Key Attributes: • Compassionate and culturally sensitive. • Detail-oriented with strong coordination abilities. • Comfortable working with patients of diverse medical backgrounds. • Problem-solver with the ability to work under tight timelines. Additional Information: • Some travel will be required between Hospital Sites and extended hours may be required around exam periods. • Training will be provided on specific clinical exam protocols and institutional standardsMain working relationships: • Participate in regular team meetings with the RCSI Bahrain Patient Recruitment Committee, contribute input, provide comprehensive updates on the Real Patient Recruitment programme.

• Develop strong relationships with key representatives of the Partner Hospitals, guaranteeing deliverables are met by ensuring the relationships are maintained and goals are achieved with a patient centred focus. • Maintain strong working relationships with the Head of the Department of Medicine, Head of Department of Surgery, Cycle Directors, Academic Operations Coordinators and other key internal stakeholders, including regular communication to understand where priorities align/might differ. *Please note that this role is for a 12 months Fixed Term Contract.