Training and Education
Training and Education (T&E) is recognised nationally across the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) clinical research infrastructure as a pivotal role to the success of operational delivery. The training and education of our team ensures staff are competent to deliver the research protocols and is fundamental in contributing to high class research that will lead to quality care and improved treatment for patients.
Our clinical research delivery team’s aim is to fully embed within directorates so that all Trust staff have a clear understanding of the role and importance of research and patients have the opportunity to take part in a range of clinical trials. Staff attend directorate meetings to engage with the wider clinical teams and events such as research cafes are held to raise awareness of research Trust-wide.
Embedding Research
Research Champion Role
One of the ways we are embedding research within our Trust has been done through our Research Champion Roles. This role was set up so more patients offered research by promoting and raising research awareness through the introduction of the Research Champion role and Research Cafes.
The Clinical Research Champion role is an opportunity for clinical staff with a passion for research to contribute to creating an environment which promotes engagement in research. This role is a key link between the research team, clinical staff and all service users and as such will be a vital support in meeting the overall aim to embed research and innovation alongside clinical care (STH 2012,Department of Health 2012). As an advocate for good practice this role will promote patient choice to be involved in research, working closely with the research team to share knowledge and information pertaining to current studies.
Meet the Training and Education (T&E) Team
Helen Wollff
Training and Education Lead
As the Clinical Research T&E Lead, my role is to work in partnership with key staff in the Clinical Research Facilities, Cancer Clinical Trials Team and Trust and Academic Directorates to provide an extensive educational programme for the research community within STH and the wider region.
My responsibilities are to:
Oversee induction, mandatory and research specific training
Facilitate staff development using competency pathways and increasing access to research training opportunities
Link with local and national training and education, governance and quality groups including Higher Education Institutions
Organise and support placements for students and staff from all areas
Member of the UKCRF Education Group
Promote research awareness throughout the trust, locally and nationally
Line manage the T&E team
Support the clinical research team leaders
The overall aim is to further develop a resilient and highly skilled workforce to open research opportunities to everyone.
Rose Kirk
Clinical Educator
Working closely with the T&E Lead, as the Clinical Educator my role is to support the training and education of the research team to ensure staff have the right skills to deliver a range of research protocols. The role is varied in that I support staff within the CRF but also across the wider research infrastructure. I identify the training pathways for individual staff and support them while they complete the required competencies. I also work alongside staff on their own studies and support them to put in to practice the protocols and study schedules, sharing knowledge and experience to build their confidence in their new role.
Rose Kirk, Clinical Educator
Joann Barker
Research Sister/Research Awareness Nurse
As a Research Sister I am passionate about spreading the word of research. My role is crucial in making positive changes to patient care, care delivery, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services. I truly love that my job will make a huge difference to patients’ lives.
In my research awareness role, I will be raising awareness of what research is, how it can benefit our patients locally and how to get involved. My role will be to engage with nurses across the Trust to ensure that research is part of their role. This will increase opportunities for patients to participate in research, increasing the quality and capability of healthcare provision locally and nationally.