Research practitioners at NCA are playing a key part in career development and training for this important role.
Kathryn Slevin and Katie McLoughlin were among the first group of clinical research practitioners (CRPs) to join the CRP Accredited Register, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Academy for Healthcare Science.
Four years later, the accredited register is now more than 400 strong, with Kathryn as one of the engagement leads for the North Westand Katie a CRP champion for the North West.
Having the register has helped to define the scope of practice for CRPS, who make up around 25 per cent of the research delivery workforce nationally, as well as offering opportunities for training, development and peer support.
Here at NCA, we have five accredited CRPs currently, with six more working through the accreditation process.
Among those already on the register is Kay Goulden, from Bury’s gastroenterology research team, who used her years of experience in research to fulfil the criteria for accreditation.
As well as their national roles, Kathryn and Katie are continuing to support and develop the CRP role at NCA, including producing a standard operating procedure for research practitioners checking self-administered medication/investigational medicinal product (IMP) for use in clinical trials. This offers reassurance that the process is standardised throughout the different research teams at our hospitals.
Kathryn, who is also team lead for the neurology and musculoskeletal research delivery teams, said: “There’s a lot of support at NCA that’s encouraged progress in developing the role of the research practitioner. It’s great to see more colleagues joining the accredited register so their role is recognised and defined.”
Pictured (from left): Kathryn Slevin, Katie McLoughlin, Kay Goulden