Primary Care Site Research Role


An overview of Roles & Responsibilities of staff at Primary Care sites required for the delivery of research in Primary Care

Typically staff at a GP Practice will support the delivery of research in the following ways;


RESEARCH COORDINATOR - Generally a Non-Clinical member of staff, eg. Practice Manager, Governance Lead etc. The role / responsibilities of the Research Coordinator may include:

Being the main contact for the East Midlands Research Delivery Network (RDN) Primary Care Team and for Study Teams being delivered by the site

Utilising the East Midlands RDN - Studies Open to Expressions of Interest website page to search for and identify studies suitable for delivery at their site

Submitting Expressions of Interest online via an online form on the  East Midlands RDN - Studies Open to Expressions of Interests  website page for Studies the site is interested in being part of

Organising / completing database searches  (each study has its own pre-made E-Search, which are accessed via the East Midlands RDN- PRIDES - E-Searches website page

Completing and submitting an annual application for the East Midlands RDN RSI Scheme 

Manages study site files and assists with any relevant related paperwork / admin

Coordinates booking of study visits for participants for any recruiting studies being completed by the site

Updates the sites website to advertise research studies as applicable 

Submits information on research activity completed by the site to claim Service Support Costs

For sites on the East Midlands RDN RSI Scheme - Updating and maintaining the sites CRN Research Activity Record

●  For sites on the East Midlands RDN RSI Scheme - Meeting with the sites Local East Midlands RDN Primary Care Research Team to discuss the sites research activity and performance in meeting KPIs


LEAD RESEARCH GP / ADVANCED NURSE PRACTITIONER - Generally a GP or ANP who is enthusiastic about research and is happy to take the role of lead clinician for studies.

Usually the individual who takes on the role of Principle Investigator (PI) for studies delivered at the site

Reviews a studies suitability for being delivered at the site

Responsible for confirming study capacity & capability on behalf of the site

Responsible for checking lists produced from a study database search in regards to participant eligibility

Responsible for completing study specific training 

Responsible for overseeing a studies performance at site


RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR - Generally a Non-Clinical member of staff who supports the work of the Research Coordinator


RESEARCH GP / NURSE / HCA - Clinical members of staff who support with the delivery of research studies, including study visits and other clinical activity's as directed by the Research Lead GP/ ANP