Clinical Research Forum
Background and TOR
Translational and clinical research activity has been central to the Trust’s
research strategy for some considerable time. Recent changes to the way in
which the Department of Health (DOH) fund such activity has changed to
more accurately reflect the output that is actually delivered locally. This
funding may arise directly in the form of NIHR grant awards, or indirectly from
the West Yorkshire Comprehensive Local Research Network in response to
work carried out, for example, number of patients recruited; or pump prime the
infrastructure required to support clinical research activity, e.g. pathology,
pharmacy, radiology, research nurse support. In so doing it will improve the
speed, quality and integration of research resulting in improved patient care.
In 2008 the Biomedical and Health Research Centre (BHRC) was established
as a strategic partnership between the four science Faculties of the University
of Leeds and the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The centre will
promote collaboration between basic sciences, translational, clinical and
applied health research to create an internationally competitive centre of
excellence in research. Academic excellence and Research and Innovation
are a key goal for LTHT.
The BHRC in Leeds has been developed with the view that the strong science
faculties which already have significant health care interests, working together
with the Faculty of Medicine and Health and the NHS organisations in Leeds
can deliver world-class research in response to global health care challenges.
Across LTHT there are personnel working in a variety of roles from research
nurses, study coordinators, business managers and clinical trial
administrators, to other allied health professionals whose role incorporates
research activity. Whilst there are some well established teams across the
Trust, others work in isolation or within very small teams will little support, or
in some cases, research experienced professional line management.
In 2011 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust made ‘Academic Excellence,
Research and Innovation’ a fourth goal in recognition of the importance of
maintaining a highly educated and skilled workforce to provide enhanced care
and contribute to the evidence base of health and social care through world
class research, in partnership with the University of Leeds.
Terms of Reference
The forum exists to offer peer support, facilitate knowledge transfer, education
and training, alongside R&D, in order to develop and retain an expert clinical
research workforce within LTHT and facilitate high quality research for the
benefit of patients.
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Aims of the forum
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To be a forum for nurses, allied health professionals and administrative
clinical trial personnel to meet and discuss issues related to CT activity,
share concerns, problems and good practice.
To facilitate networking together in an open and constructive
environment
Develop common working guidelines and share standard operating
procedures when appropriate
To ensure that all staff engaged in the area of clinical research remain
up to date of the changes in legislation/policies and procedures in
conducting clinical research within the Trust/University and nationally
To provide two way communication/ engagement with R&D in general
matters relating to clinical trial activity and conduct within
LTHT/University and be a forum for raising issues for discussion and
providing valuable feedback.
To promote research nursing as a career within LTHT/University
To be recognised as an expert resource to Nursing and Midwifery and
AHP in matters relating to research methodology, governance and
conduct in human subjects
To promote/facilitate/encourage nurse led research projects amongst
nurses and AHP within LTHT
Constituents of the Forum
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Allied health professionals who are engaged in clinical research
projects as part of their role
All nurses employed in a research nurse capacity in whatever field of
healthcare is encouraged to participate in the forum
Staff employed as administrators/data managers/study coordinators
within a clinical trial setting
Representatives from R&D in the Trust/University
Meetings
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Meetings are held quarterly. The venue will be across both main
hospital sites of St James and LGI where a frequent direct shuttle
service is in place.
Meetings are facilitated and minuted with support from R&D
department
The meeting is led by a chair. The position of Chair and deputy-chair
will be for a period of two years, followed by re-appointment from within
the forum members
An agenda is circulated 2 weeks ahead of the meeting and
items/suggestions for the agenda may be taken by email or telephone
to R&D or the Chair
Each meeting will be for two hours and include an educational
presentation/talk or workshop of 30 minutes duration as part of our
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ongoing aim to inform and educate. Guest speakers will be arranged
for meetings periodically as information needs are assessed. Members
will also use this time to present the work of their area to share their
experience and inform others, so that a broader awareness of the
breadth of activity across the Trust and University is elucidated.
Representation is sought from all research active areas of the Trust in
order to foster a collaborative and effective working forum that serves
its members and facilitates its aims.
Refreshments of tea and coffee will generally be provided
People are requested to try to get to the meetings on time and plan to
be there for the whole meeting unless urgent matters arise.
Mobile telephones should be switched to silent mode during the
meeting
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Clinical Research Forum
Strategy Wheel
Professional
Leadership
SOPs
Guidelines
Education
& Training
Core Governance
Clinical
Research
for patient
benefit
Professional
development
Standards
Peer support
Quality Assurance
Registry of all research
nurses and AHPs
Nurse led
research
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National & local
policies &
frameworks