Tell us about the study you assisted with as

part of the Associate PI scheme?

I was involved in the FIDO study which examined the treatment of febrile infants under the age of 3 months presenting to the emergency department. It required the team to take an extra blood sample from the child when they were screening for sepsis, as is routine in this age group when presenting with a fever. Parents were then contacted for retrospective consent to use the sample and the data collected as a routine part of their care.

What was positive/negative about doing the Associate PI scheme?

It was a very positive experience, which helped me better understand how clinical trials are run, and what was required to be a PI. Getting involved with the process was very interesting, and everyone involved was extremely supportive. They made it easy to complete the checklist with relatively minimal effort! It is not the kind of opportunity you are often presented with whilst in full time clinical

practice, especially prior to reaching consultancy.

How has the Associate PI scheme shaped or changed your idea of clinical research?

It has given me a better understanding of how the trials are run, what the pitfalls are, and how to tackle them. It has helped me understand the governance processes behind trials better, as well as how they are designed and set up, in a way which you do not get from just sitting through the GCP online learning. The associated online lecture series has also been helpful and informative to reinforce this process.

What will your next step in research be or how will the API scheme shape your career in the

future?

I would feel confident in being a PI when the next trial became available – especially if supported by the amazing Whittington research nurses! I think this scheme has re-kindled my interest in research and made me much more enthusiastic about getting involved in research again in the future, and hopefully being able to lead on it.

What would you say to peers who are considering doing the scheme?

I would strongly recommend the scheme to anyone considering it, even as someone who does not traditionally have a strong interest in research, as we will all need to get involved at some point, and it is a structured and supported way of getting into it.

Erin Hart, Paediatrics ST5