Research Delivery Workforce Update

We plan for incremental learning, using 'spaced repetition', bearing in mind competency frameworks & induction phase timelines and we also use a workforce learning model known as the 70/20/10 rule. 

With 70% being on the job learning, 20% being peer support and 10% formal learning events. This is described in our approach to L&D  & other aspects of this work is described across the pages in the Our Approach to....... webpages.

Within NIHR Learn - Clinical Research in Practice Settings - could be useful in helping new starters settle in if it's used prior to being asked to complete GCP, or for students on placements.    There are also several related sections below.

Research Delivery Team Essentials (RDTE)* & Informed Consent (relates only to the Research Delivery workforce) 

We offer a Research Delivery Team (RDTE) specific learning pathway to our Partners - scheduled by the line manager, in alignment with how it is offered. 

Most of the pathway can be accessed directly via NIHR Learn.   This is not something the learner should be navigating in isolation - it is expected that the line manager will drive the learning plan and development of research novices, in a timely manner with staff performance & retention in mind.

• RDTE is designed to underline the first 3-4 months of development & plan for the next few months ahead - and is a course that necessitates line manager nomination. RDTE Course outline.

• "Informed Consent" is an additional course to the consent component of RDTE, specifically for those who will seek consent - so should be undertaken after RDTE. It forms part of the Consent Training Pathway.     Informed Consent Course outline.

Nominations for Training

We need to be able to schedule these training courses according to demand. Please send us a request via this RDTE and Informed Consent Line Manager Nomination Form to let us know you have a new starter in post who needs to access RDTE and possibly also Informed Consent. 

We will then send them a welcome message and will make contact when a place for Essentials becomes available.

Dates

New Learning Resources

Please also find the latest newsletter which has been sent out to CRPs on the Directory and Register.  

Advancing Healthcare Awards

The Advancing Healthcare Awards for 2023 launched recently and are open to allied health professionals, healthcare scientists, including CRPs, and those who work alongside them in support roles.  Would you like to nominate a colleague, your team or yourself for the Clinical Research Practitioner leadership award?

Entry requirements

Nominees must be on the CRP Directory or Register and be a Clinical Research Practitioner practising within the UK and show evidence of:

• Measurable achievements in research delivery

• Leadership and team working

• Impact on the care of research participants.

How to enter

You can submit your entry by registering for an account (please use Google Chrome).  The closing date for the awards is 24th January 2023.

Rising Star Award

In addition to the CRP Leadership Award, you can nominate a colleague or member of staff who has shown a level of initiative, skill and commitment that is truly exceptional in the Rising Star Award. You may nominate anyone who has been working as a qualified allied health professional or healthcare scientist for less than five years, and who you and others recognise as a star in the making.   For more information about all of the awards take a look at this awards information sheet.

Experiential Gateway to Registration  - AHCS seeking Expressions of Interest

The Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) Education Committee has now approved the proposal to widen access to the Accredited Register to experienced CRPs who do not have a degree or equivalent education.   

Although this gateway is not open yet there are still things you can do  to prepare for when it opens early in 2023. 

• Firstly if you are planning to access the CRP Accredited Register via this route and haven't as yet completed an Gateway Expression of Interest form, it would be really helpful if you could complete this ASAP as this will help gauge the level of interest and what resources to put in place to support this.   

• You can also  read the guidance document which outlines what the process will be and what you need to do to prepare to access the gateway. 

• Start to complete this eligibility form, in conjunction with your line manager, ready to submit it when the gateway opens.

The Academy for Healthcare Science will update their site with the new documentation shortly.   If you have any questions or have trouble accessing the documents in this article then please contact workforceandprofessionscrn@nihr.ac.uk

North West / Regional Update

You can visit the North West CRP webpage. Within this page, there is the opportunity to sign up to a mailing list to connect you with both the regional and national CRP Engagement Leads.

North West CRP Community of Practice - the first meeting was held last Thursday, with the theme being 'Registration'. If interested in joining, please sign up using the mailing list on the webpage linked above. Our next meeting is 16th March 2-4pm, venue to be confirmed. 

North West CRP Confirmers Community of Practice

This group consists of organisational clinical delivery leads or their nominated representatives.  We next meet online January 11th 2023 with an agreed priority of ensuring NMC/HCPC (plus GMC if known to the organisation) confirmers are ready to support those working towards registration by either of the two means. currently in 2 working groups looking at how the group can support confirmer understanding of reflective practice and critical thinking.  

Any queries - learning.lcrnsnorthwest@nihr.ac.uk

With all FutureLearn MOOCs, remember that your do not have to purchase a certificate as you can 'screenshot' your completion page.

What is Health Research? (NIHR/University of Leeds)

For NHS staff, patients and public and is a good first step and overview. Explore the world of health research and the role volunteers play in transforming treatments and improving health care. What is Health Research? registration page 

Improving Healthcare through Clinical Research (NIHR/University of Leeds)

Through The Improving Healthcare Through Clinical Research course, find out how medical treatments are discovered, tested and evaluated to improve healthcare for all.  This is more technical that the 'What is Health Research?' course.  As GCP face to face is not available widely at present, this could be well placed to ensure continuity of formal learning  for those who are new to research.

Introduction to Randomised Controlled Trials - University of Birmingham (available now) 

Discover the importance of trials in evidence-based medicine and learn about the trial lifecycle from conception to publication. To find out more the course page on FutureLearn will have everything you need. 

Digital Tools for Efficient Clinical Trials (NIHR/University of Southampton)

Digital Tools for Efficient Clinical Trials aims to give researchers and trial teams an overview of how digital tools can support the recruitment and retention of trial participants, whilst also considering their possible limitations. The course is open to anyone with an interest in clinical research.