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Case study: Q&A: Adedeji Ogunlana - Clinical Research Practitioner Engagement Lead

Q&A: Adedeji Ogunlana

Adedeji Ogunlana is a Clinical Research Practitioner (CRP) at the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) North West London. Here he answers questions about his career so far and his new role as CRP Engagement Lead.

 

What path did you take to get into research? What is your role in research now?

"I worked for a year as a Healthcare Assistant (Band 4) and developed an interest in research after shadowing a few studies at the clinical trial centre.

"I applied for my first research role and worked as a Clinical Research Practitioner (Band 5) in Rheumatology. I worked in this role for two years and then applied for a Research Practitioner (Band 6) role here at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust with the Strategic Workforce team at the CRN North West London.

"I now work as a research practitioner in the COVID research team."

 

What is the role of a CRP in research?

CRPs are an essential part of a research delivery team and the role involves direct contact with patients, or other study participants, their families or carers within a clinical environment or other health and social care settings."

 

What inspired you to become a registered CRP?

"Through my career as a CRP, I have seen the importance of this role in research delivery; working alongside nurses and clinicians. I became a registered CRP because I wanted to be recognised as a professional in my role as I had developed experiences in clinical research, which are essential for research delivery."

"...it boosts your confidence within a clinical setting when dealing with clinicians, patients and their families."

 

What do you feel are the benefits of being a registered CRP?

"One of the benefits would be that it informs other colleagues; nurses and clinicians that as a registered CRP, you are competent to undertake tasks and are aware of your roles within your scope of practice. Another benefit is that it boosts your confidence within a clinical setting when dealing with clinicians, patients and their families."

 

What would you say to someone who was considering becoming a registered CRP?

"I would say it’s a good step in their career and that it would give them a positive professional identity in research as well as their role and help their working relationship with colleagues, clinicians and patients."

 

What are you looking forward to in your role as CRP Engagement Lead?

"Joining the CRP register would give me the opportunity to build collaborative relationships with other CRPs in the UK. 

"Collectively, we have a voice and the opportunity to work together; sharing ideas and providing solutions to make positive changes across research delivery.

"Locally, I am looking forward to making CRPs aware of the accreditation and the support they would receive through the process."

 

How do you envisage your role as a CRP Engagement Lead?

"I see myself positively contributing and working collaboratively with other CRPs, to bring fresh ideas and contributions that will encourage and help CRPs to take pride in their role and understand the vital role they play in delivery research."

 

How would you like other CRPs who are interested in becoming registered to contact you?

"I am happy to be contacted via email on adedeji.ogunlana@nhs.net."