1. Developing the role of Clinical Research Practitioners in the NHS:
Fostering professionalism in a new occupation
Fiona O’Neill
NIHR Clinical Research Network

2. The UK research landscape
Exciting environment
Expanding research environment
Primary, secondary, end of life care as well as community setting

3. The UK research landscape
Political commitment to supporting life-sciences industry
Health & Social Care Act 2012 / NHS Constitution 2013
Embed clinical research in all aspects of care

4. The NIHR
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.
The NIHR plays a key role in the Government’s strategy for economic growth, attracting investment by the life-sciences industries through its world-class infrastructure for health research.
Together, the NIHR people, programmes, centres of excellence and systems represent the most integrated health research system in the world.
The NIHR is the research arm of the NHS.

5. Our workforce We are a funder (10,000 within the CRN)
Work as part of multidisciplinary teams to deliver research across all patient pathways and specialties
Becoming more diverse
Work within a highly regulated environment (high potential risk low harm)
Occupy roles that are valued and provide worthwhile opportunities for graduates as well as clinicians
Largely hidden and not very well understood
Connected to but not the same as the clinical academic workforce

6. Exciting environment
Expanding research environment
Primary, secondary, end of life care as well as community setting

7. Roles within Clinical Research Delivery
Exciting environment
Expanding research environment
Primary, secondary, end of life care as well as community setting

8. Clinical Research Practitioners
Pragmatic response not planned
Provides valued roles for graduates & others without a clinical qualification
Varied responses to induction and continuing development
Career pathways undefined and undeveloped
No consensus re boundaries
Focus on skill management-skill development & flexibility
Realistic and informed view of future workforce
Learning from others

9. Developing an Integrated Workforce Framework
7 Elements within Clinical Research
Ethics, Patient Safety and Clinical Governance
Research Development and Regulation
Clinical Studies Operations
Science and Research Design
Study and Site Management
Data Management and Informatics
Communication and Relationships
Exciting environment
Expanding research environment
Primary, secondary, end of life care as well as community setting
4 Levels applied to each Element
Advanced
Fundamental knowledge of principles and contexts
Intermediate
Core
Awareness

10. Integrated Workforce Framework
Foundation-change the conversation
Consistent description of the workforce
Emphasis on the organisational context-positive practice environments
Engagement and evaluation is key

11. Next steps Identity and community Voices and stories of their practice
Leadership
Engagement
Assurance and Trust
Risk assessment
Continuum of assurance
Developing standards-training and education
Learning from others is key