NENC Learning & Development Courses in Health and Social Care Research 2023/24

Contents

View the PDF version of the 2023/2024 brochure. Please note that this is not an accessible PDF, but the content on this page is the accessible version.

What we do

We deliver high quality training to research staff throughout the region involved in the delivery of NIHR CRN Portfolio studies.

Our training enables research staff to understand their own roles and responsibilities and deliver studies to the highest ethical and scientific standards.

Please use this page to browse our courses and access the content or book a place on them using NIHR Learn, our online learning platform learn.nihr.ac.uk.

If you have any questions or want to discuss other training needs and opportunities please contact us at nenclearning@nihr.ac.uk.

Training during 2023/24

Taking a virtual approach

We are continuing to deliver much of our training virtually using online platforms such as Zoom as this approach has proven to provide many advantages including convenience and flexibility in most cases. We will continue to review this approach and will be balancing it with classroom-based training as appropriate.

All Introduction to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) courses continue to be delivered in traditional classroom settings as this is the required approach for this course.

Getting set up with our virtual courses

Our virtual courses are designed to be as engaging and interactive as our classroom ones. To get the most from them we strongly recommend using a PC or Mac with a camera, speakers and microphone, ideally with the free Zoom client or other platform specific application installed. You can also use a smartphone or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone, though the small screen size may limit your experience. If you are unable to access Zoom please let us know at nenclearning@nihr.ac.uk to explore alternatives.

Booking a place

All of our courses are free to health and social care staff and can be booked through our online learning platform NIHR Learn.

The schedule at the end of this brochure will indicate whether courses are virtual, classroom based or standalone e-Learning courses, but please check NIHR Learn for the most up to date information.

Introduction to Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is the international ethical, scientific and practical standard to which all clinical research is conducted.

It is important that everyone involved in research is trained or appropriately experienced to perform the specific tasks they undertake.

NIHR offers a range of GCP courses and training aids for the clinical research delivery workforce. Our GCP courses are designed for individuals involved in the delivery of studies at research sites.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Appreciate the importance of clinical research to patients, health professionals, the NHS and wider society
• Recognise that clinical research delivery follows a defined pathway and that GCP Principles apply at each stage of the pathway to protect patients and ensure high quality data
• Demonstrate an understanding of GCP Principles and their application in practice

Course dates

• Thursday 20th April: 9:30-4:30pm at Evolve Business Centre, Sunderland, DH4 5QY
• Tuesday 13th June: 9:30-4:30pm at Darlington Memorial Hospital, DL3 6HX
• Tuesday 5th September: 9:30-4:30pm at Evolve Business Centre, Sunderland, DH4 5QY
• Wednesday 11th October: 9:30-4:30pm at Evolve Business Centre, Sunderland, DH4 5QY
• Friday 15th December: 9:30-4:30pm at Darlington Memorial Hospital, DL3 6HX
• Tuesday 13th February: 9:30-4:30pm at Evolve Business Centre, Sunderland, DH4 5QY

Visit NIHR Learn - Intro to Good Clinical Practice to book your place.

You can also visit NIHR Learn - Introduction to GCP to access an alternative e-Learning course.

Good Clinical Practice Refresher

The Good Clinical Practice (GCP) refresher course is aimed at research delivery staff that have previously completed the Introduction to Good Clinical Practice training.

The course aims to recap the key principles of GCP and ensure that the research delivery staff are aware of recent and forthcoming changes that may affect their role.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Refresh and consolidate their previous learning around GCP
•  Reflect on their own practice and experience in delivering clinical research
• Share good practice in clinical research, and approaches to improvement
• Explain recent and forthcoming changes in clinical research and the impact these may have

Course dates

• Tuesday 9th May: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom
• Thursday 14th September: 9:30-1:00pm on Zoom
• Wednesday 1st November: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom
• Wednesday 14th February: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom

Visit NIHR Learn - Good Clinical Practice Refresher to book your place.

Introduction to Informed Consent in Clinical Research

This course is aimed at all research delivery staff involved in the process of receiving informed consent. It is designed to enable an understanding of the ethical and legislative frameworks underpinning the research consent process and the principles and responsibilities of consent in clinical research.

The course includes active participation to provide practical experience of asking for and receiving consent.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Explain the ethical and legislative frameworks that underpin the research
  consent process
• Describe the principles and responsibilities of consent in clinical research
• Follow the research consent '5-step process'
• Gain practical experience in asking for consent for research
• Gain an insight into the added protection required for vulnerable groups

Course dates

• Tuesday 25th April: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom
• Thursday 22nd June: 9:30-1:00pm on Zoom
• Tuesday 12th September: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom
• Thursday 23rd November: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom
• Tuesday 9th January: 9:30-1:00pm on Zoom
• Wednesday 6th March: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom

Visit Intro to Informed - Consent in Clinical Research to book your place.

Principal Investigator (PI) Essentials

A Principal Investigator (PI) is defined by the Health Research Authority as an individual responsible for the conduct of the research (for a particular project, trial or study) at a research site.

The Principal Investigator Essentials course is designed for all research delivery staff that are new to, or want to know more about, the responsibilities that come with the role of PI.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Explain the PI's responsibilities in leading the conduct of a study at a research site
• Discuss what makes an effective PI and the importance of effective leadership in study identification, set-up, recruitment and conduct
• Demonstrate the skills and behaviours required to be an effective PI
• List sources of help and support available

Course dates

• Wednesday 26th April: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom
• Wednesday 26th July: 9:30-1:00pm on Zoom
• Wednesday 18th October: 1:00-4:30pm on Zoom
• Tuesday 30th January: 9:30-1:00pm on Zoom

Visit NIHR Learn - Principal Investigator Essentials to book your place.

Associate Principal Investigator Scheme

A Principal Investigator (PI) is defined by the Health Research Authority as an individual responsible for the conduct of the research (for a particular project, trial or study) at a research site. An Associate Principal Investigator makes a significant contribution to the conduct and delivery of a study under the close supervision, mentorship and support of the study Principal Investigator.

The Associate Principal Investigator Scheme is a national NIHR programme that aims to develop doctors, nurses and other health professionals to become the Principal Investigators (PIs) of the future.

Scheme outcomes

The Associate PI Scheme is a six month in-work training opportunity, providing practical experience for healthcare professionals starting their research career.

People who would not normally have the opportunity to take part in clinical research in their day to day role have the chance to experience what it means to
work on and deliver a NIHR portfolio trial under the mentorship of an enthusiastic Local PI.

Participating healthcare professionals receive formal recognition of engagement in NIHR Portfolio research studies through the certification of Associate PI status, endorsed by the NIHR and Royal Colleges.

On completion, participants will:

• Gain the enhanced skills and understanding around the delivery of NIHR Portfolio research.
• Receive a certificate confirming their Associate PI status.

To find out more about the scheme, including how to apply, visit the NIHR Associate PI Scheme pages.

Raising Awareness of and Embedding Research

This course offers an opportunity to learn about the essentials of health and social care research and provides an insight into how research is designed and undertaken across a range of settings. It will give you the opportunity to explore how health and social care research is embedded in practice as well as some of the career opportunities that are associated with it.

The course is aimed at people working in a health and social care environment that have little or no clinical research knowledge or experience, but who are interested in understanding more and exploring potential careers in this area.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Explain what clinical research is and why it is important
• List some of the key activities involved in research studies
• Explain the importance of informed consent
• Identify patient safety issues and explain what to do in the event of an adverse event
• Describe a range of jobs and roles involved in clinical research

Course dates

Please contact nenclearning@nihr.ac.uk for further information about these courses and to find out how to book a place.

Working with Industry

This course is aimed at all research delivery staff who are interested in understanding how to successfully deliver commercial trials.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Explain the benefits of working with the life sciences industry
• Describe ways to work to secure new commercial business
• Describe what a great site looks like from an industry perspective
• Explain the differences between delivering commercial and non-commercial studies

Course dates

• Tuesday 11th April: 10:00-11:15am on Zoom
  Tuesday 25th July: 2:00-3:15pm on Zoom

Visit NIHR Learn - Working with Industry to book your place.

Open Data Platform (ODP) Webinar

The Open Data Platform provides access to recruitment and study data, presenting the NHS research community with trends, monitoring and performance information. This introductory web-based session to the NENC ODP application will enable users to utilise the basic key features including searching for studies and recruitment data.

Virtual sessions can be arranged flexibly to meet the needs of participants.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Access the ODP platform
• Explain the context and sources of the data held in ODP
• Explain the types of data that are available
• Identify and access a range of key study data
• Interpret ODP data to explain the performance of a study
• Identify performance trends

Course dates

This course is organised on an ad hoc basis, please contact nenclearning@nihr.ac.uk for further information.

Communicating in Clinical Research

Designed to complement the Introduction to Informed Consent in Clinical Research course, this course is aimed at all research delivery staff involved in the process of receiving informed consent. It is designed to build on the knowledge and experience of participants who have some experience of discussing participation in clinical studies with potential research participants.

An interactive workshop approach is used to explain, discuss and demonstrate some communication skills and principles that can be used when approaching potential research participants.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Discuss some key communication principles
• Explain the skills and behaviours required to be effective at discussing clinical research with patients
• Develop a 'patient's perspective' by exploring the experiences of research participants
• Clearly explain randomisation to potential research participants
• Utilise the SPIKES communication model in clinical research

Course dates

This course is organised on an ad hoc basis, please contact nenclearning@nihr.ac.uk for further information.

Coaching Skills Workshop

Recent research and a wide range of publications have highlighted the importance of coaching as an effective way of supporting the development of staff, particularly during periods of change and transition. Coaching is considered a highly valuable skill for effective management and leadership.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the workshop, participants should be able to:

• Explain the benefits of taking a coaching approach to development
• Be aware of the differences between coaching, counselling and mentoring
• Describe the key characteristics of an effective coach
• Explain and apply a range of tools and models used in coaching
• Hold an effective coaching conversation

Course dates

This course is organised on an ad hoc basis, please contact nenclearning@nihr.ac.uk for further information.

Feasibility - A Guide for Research Teams

This e-Learning course is aimed at research teams and individuals considering participating in and recruiting to a study or trial.

It offers guidance on how to assess the feasibility of the study at your workplace, and explains the factors that should support the successful delivery of the study.

In particular, the course will help you to answer the following questions:

• Is the study suitable for my site and potential participants or patients?
• Is my site suitable for the study?

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Explain what feasibility means in the context of clinical research and why it is important
• Explain how to complete an effective Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Discuss the key questions to explore when assessing and establishing feasibility

Visit NIHR Learn - Feasibility to access this e-Learning course.

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement

This course is aimed at health and social care professionals who are interested in understanding the contributions that patients and members of the public can make to research and gain some insight into practical ideas of where to find people to involve.

Patients and members of the public can be involved in a range of research activities. These include helping to develop research questions, applying for funding and ethical approval, sitting on advisory groups, carrying out the research and disseminating the research findings.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Explain what we mean by the term Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement
• Explain why it's important
• Describe Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in the context of the research cycle
• Identify opportunities to find patients and members of the public to involve

Visit NIHR Learn - Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement to access this e-Learning course.

Induction - CRN North East and North Cumbria

This e-Learning course is aimed at all research active staff undertaking a new role within the North East and North Cumbria region.

The course is made up of three sections:

1. National Institute for Health Research, our parent organisation
2. The Clinical Research Network (CRN) North East and North Cumbria (NENC)
3. A simple checklist to help new starters orientate themselves into the workplace

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Explain the purpose and functions of NIHR
• Describe the structure and purpose of CRN North East and North Cumbria, and the role of its internal functions
• Explain what Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement is and why it is important
• Describe a range of learning and development opportunities
• List the orientation activities they have undertaken

Visit NIHR Learn - CRN North East and North Cumbria Induction to access this e-Learning course.

Course access and booking

Access to most of our classroom and e-Learning courses is handled through our free online learning platform, NIHR Learn, which is used by over 45,000 learners every year.

On NIHR Learn you can find many learning programmes developed by international leaders from across the clinical research field including our suite of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) courses. You will find courses on a wide range of research related topics including courses that are available at a local and national level.

Accessing NIHR Learn

Instructions to creating an account to book onto our courses can be found at https://sites.google.com/a/nihr.ac.uk/crn-learn-help/

Accessing e-Learning and local classroom courses:

1. Go to: NIHR Learn
2. Select LCRN Locally Delivered Learning from the main menu
3. Select CRN North East and North Cumbria to view a list of local courses
4. Select the course for further details and to book a place

Delegate Reviews 2022/23

Intro to GCP

"The course was delivered at an exceptionally high standard, that kept me engaged and interested through the whole day. I would recommend this course to anyone new to research."

ICCR

"I thoroughly enjoyed the session. The facilitator was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, I enjoyed that it was a multidisciplinary session."

"The [course] was extremely interesting and informative and will provide a good foundation before I begin my clinical research next month."

"The discussions were engaging, and the questions were well answered."

PI Essentials

"All key concepts were clearly explained and all objectives met. I feel it was presented at a level that was appropriate for all attendees despite their different roles and experience."

"I have a very sound understanding of the role and research in general but still found new things to learn and gain a deeper understanding of. Great job."

"Informative session and well facilitated with interaction encouraged and optimised when challenging!"

GCP Refresher

"Fantastically well presented and very engaging."