The training and educational needs of the research workforce are complex due to the depth of specialist knowledge necessary to master components of the job at a professional level.

In this section you can find:

• The PBCRN induction and training handbook
• Information on good clinical practice training
• The Birmingham Research Training Collaborative
• Information on training by the NIHR Cancer Research Network

“For many health professionals, clinical research offers a career path that is both intellectually challenging, and highly rewarding. Developing or delivering a well-designed clinical study can not only generate vital new knowledge, it can also have surprisingly widespread benefits for patients, both now and in the future” [developing potential of the healthcare workforce NIHR]  Why get involved in clinical research?

The training and educational needs of the research workforce are complex due to the depth of specialist knowledge necessary to master components of the job at a professional level. These components include both the care of the cancer patient and families, the planning, coordination and administration of cancer clinical research. The NHS research governance framework clearly states that all research staff should be qualified by education, training and experience. PBCRN is dedicated to providing a training programme for each member of the research team and you are encouraged as a healthcare professional to regularly keep abreast of both clinical and educational developments within the oncology clinical research setting.

Welcome to the PBCRN induction and training handbook. The handbook and appendices are only a small part of a comprehensive training and education programme which is suitable for all members of clinical trials staff, from the very new to those who have been in post for many years. The handbook is to be completed by you and your manager/mentor/clinical supervisor. The extent of training required will clearly depend on your previous knowledge & experience and therefore some of sections in the handbook will not be necessary to complete. Then again, even for the more experienced oncology research team member, sections of the handbook could be used towards your professional development review or simply as an aide memoire.

We hope that you enjoy working through the materials and that you will gain a sound understanding of the structures, regulations and organisations that underpin cancer clinical research. Please tell us what you have found helpful and any other comments or suggestions that you might have by contacting pbcrn@westmidlands.nhs.uk

A key requirement for anyone involved in the conduct of clinical research is Good clinical practice (GCP) training. GCP is the standard and guidelines to which all research is conducted.

GCP is a requirement under research governance and should be standard for all research, not just those involving investigational medicinal products.

Why you need GCP training

Everyone involved in the conduct of clinical research must have training to ensure they are best prepared to carry out their duties. This is laid down in the Research governance framework for health and social care 2005, covering all research in the NHS in England, and in law for those people working on clinical trials.

The principles of GCP state that: Each individual involved in conducting a trial should be qualified by education, training and experience to perform his or her respective task(s). 2.8, E6 Guideline for Good Clinical Practice

How often do you need to complete GCP training?

This is decided by your trust/employer, as the answer depends on the research you are involved in and your experience. The regulations and the MHRA require that all staff are trained to carry out their duties on each study they are working on. This is not time bound. If you have just had some training and a regulation changes you will need to be informed of these changes.

Introduction to GCP study days and online courses in our region can be accessed through the National Institute for Health Research CRN Learning Managment System (NIHR CRN LMS)

The Birmingham Research Training Collaborative (BRTC) was established in january 2004 “to provide education and training for healthcare researchers in Birmingham”. PBCRN has linked with primary and acute trusts, research & development representatives, university of birmingham representatives, the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility and other interested parties to form the Birmingham Research Training Collaborative.Training sessions have provided much needed opportunities for researchers to network and access the wealth of knowledge and expertise that exists within Birmingham and contribute to improving research quality and governance across the region.

BRTC recognises the scope of research skills required by the research workforce who are employed in many different research environments and includes a variety of training opportunities. It supports and promotes the continued professional development of clinical and non-clinical research staff to pursue their research careers at all levels to ultimately produce the research leaders and academics of the future.

There are a series of research process, conduct and topic specific seminars that are delivered annually through the BRTC. Most BRTC seminars cover different aspects of "ICH Good Clinical Practice", the principals of which apply to all those involved in research, which include a combination of both theoretical and practical sessions. BRTC also provides an “expression of interest” scheme. Specialised training, subjects/topics can be requested for any research areas not already covered in its annual programme.

The annual programme includes all aspects of ICH Good clinical practice. general research topics, clinical and topic specific sessions including the regulatory requirements needed to conduct clinical research in the NHS are provided, as well as training specifically designed for those research staff who are directly communicating and recruiting patients into clinical randomised controlled trials (RCT`s).

All of these courses can be accessed and booked through the BRTC coordinator Maggie Hope.

For further information, please contact pbcrn@westmidlands.nhs.uk

NCRN training is now delivered regionally. More information can be found on the NCRN website

All courses will be free of charge for individuals who support the NIHR cancer portfolio of trials. Individuals working in Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) will therefore also be offered training free of charge.