Training

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is the international ethical, scientific and practical standard to which all clinical research is conducted. Compliance with GCP provides public assurance that the rights, safety and wellbeing of research participants are protected and that research data are reliable.

All our courses have a practical focus, with the key aim that participants know how to practise excellent GCP when they return to their workplace to ensure the rights, safety and well-being of patients and the quality of the research data. All NIHR CRN GCP courses are appropriate for people conducting clinical trials, non-clinical trials and other kinds of research.

See also

• GCP e-learning

Current course status

This course is currently not being run face-to-face. Please use the e-learning on NIHR Learn. We are exploring online Q&A or consolidation sessions. To express an interest in such a session, please email we.training@nihr.ac.uk.

This workshop is designed for experienced research delivery staff who:

• have previously completed an Introduction course

• have recent practical experience of working in a clinical research environment and have a good understanding of GCP and related frameworks.

All our courses have a practical focus, with the key aim that participants know what to do to practice excellent GCP when they return to their workplace to ensure the rights, safety and well-being of patients and the quality of the research data. All NIHR CRN GCP courses are appropriate for people conducting clinical trials, non-clinical trials and other kinds of research. Our courses are designed for individuals involved in the conduct of studies at research sites. Individuals involved in the design and management of studies are able to access our courses but should be aware that they will not address their specific needs.

See also

• GCP e-learning

Current course status

This course is currently not being run face-to-face. Please use the e-learning on NIHR Learn. We are exploring online Q&A or consolidation sessions. To express an interest in such a session, please email we.training@nihr.ac.uk.

The aim of these workshops is to provide participants with a sound grounding in the standards required for consent in clinical research. It provides an introductory overview upon which competence can be developed to meet local Trust needs and requirements. Workshops will take the form of a combination of presentations, discussions and group activities (based on standard materials) designed to bring the principles of informed consent into the workplace.

The course will enable you to:

• Understand the ethical and legislative frameworks that underpin the research consent process.

• Understand the principles and responsibilities of consent in clinical research.

• Develop an understanding of the research consent process.

• Demonstrate high quality practices to support the process.

• Gain an insight into the added protection required for vulnerable groups.

• Build confidence in supporting the research consent process.

See also

• Informed Consent webinars

Current course status

This course is currently not being run face-to-face. Please register for a webinar.

This two day course will provide an opportunity for staff new to clinical research to develop their skills, and enable more established research professionals to refresh and renew. It is an opportunity to learn, share and develop practice with colleagues and become aware of just how extensive and exciting the research world is.

Patients, the public and carers are at the centre of all that we do and by undertaking this course, developing your skills and sharing your learning you will be taking forward the practice of clinical research.

The objective is to provide a foundation of knowledge to enable you to develop your practice as a clinical research practitioner. It offers the opportunity to gain an understanding of the management and running of clinical studies. You will be able to apply relevant knowledge and skills gained from the course to your working environment.

Eleven course elements will be covered during the two day course:

• 1. The basics of clinical research

• 2. History of research

• 3. The patient experience

• 4. Drug and medical device development

• 5. Patient information and informed consent - an overview

• 6. Feasibility and Protocol Review

• 7. Recruitment and retention of participants into clinical research

• 8. Roles and responsibilities of the research team

• 9. Monitoring, Audits and MHRA Inspection

• 10. Study management and documentation

• 11. National and international perspectives in clinical research.

This course was previously known as "Fundamentals of Clinical Research".

Current course status

This course is currently not being run online. We hope to resume face-to-face courses in the near future.

Let's Talk Trials is a one day advanced communication skills course. It is designed for health professionals who talk to patients about participation in clinical research using a model which promotes sensitive and effective communication between health professionals and patients.

Let’s Talk Trials has been run bi-annually in Bristol and Bath since 2015. The day is facilitated by two experienced research nurses, with a variety of research experience between them. This includes cancer, cardiology, diabetes, surgery and rheumatology, in a number of settings including hospitals, primary care and university.

Course objectives

• Establish the elements that constitute a full discussion of participation in clinical research studies / trials

• Employ an interview structure that ensures each element of participation is covered

• Identify and utilise the communication skills required to move through the interview structure

• Discuss and demonstrate how the key skills and structure can be used to address specific communication difficulties in approaching and discussing clinical research

• Target audience

• Research nurses and other research practitioners who receive informed consent from patients entering clinical research studies/ trials.

Course feedback from previous Let’s Talk Trials participants:

‘Good amount of information/issues/topics discussed. This allowed us to share and discuss meaningfully. Experience based method - fun way to learn in a small group with various backgrounds. Good to have whole day focused on a single topic’.

‘This course has given me reassurance and confidence. The communication model was explained very well and I look forward to adopting it into my practice. Thank you’.

Current course status

This course is currently not being run online. We hope to resume face-to-face courses in the near future.

We have now developed an online course that provides an introduction the SPIKES communication model used in the session. While this is not be an alternative to the Let's Talk Trials course, it may offer a timely resource for those involved in Covid-19 vaccine trials or wanting a taster for how that might develop their communications skills.

This interactive session has been developed for staff new (up to 18 months) to the role of Principal Investigator. The session is planned for 3 hours .

On completion you will be able to:

• Understand the PI’s responsibilities in leading the conduct of a study at a research site

• Recognise what makes an effective PI and the importance of effective leadership in study identification, set-up, recruitment and conduct

• Understand and reflect on the skills and behaviours required to be an effective PI

• Know how to access support: you are not alone, help and support is available

Current course status

This course have now been piloted as an online workshop. To register your interest, please email we.training@nihr.ac.uk.