Research Nurse Forum (

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.

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\0b66f18a3a82817c6ca833d363c5e7cd.doc Aims of the forum

 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

 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

 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

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\0b66f18a3a82817c6ca833d363c5e7cd.doc  Each meeting will be for two hours and include an educational presentation/talk or workshop of 30 minutes duration as part of our 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

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\0b66f18a3a82817c6ca833d363c5e7cd.doc Clinical Research Forum Strategy Wheel

Professional Leadership

Guidelines Core Governance National & local policies & frameworks

Clinical Education Research Standards & Training for patient benefit Professional Peer support development Quality Assurance

Registry of all research nurses and AHPs

Nurse led research

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\0b66f18a3a82817c6ca833d363c5e7cd.doc