Haematology Speciality Trainees Driving NIHR Clinical Research
Published Date: 05th June 2018
Publication Authors: Loizou E, Nicholson T
Abstract
In 2016, the NIHR Haematology National Speciality Group founded a pilot programme to develop the clinical research skills of Haematology trainees within Non‐Malignant Haematology (NMH). This unique initiative has since been rolled out successfully throughout CRNs nationwide and equips Haematology trainees with the skills to become future leaders in clinical research.
Haematology trainees may get exposure to clinical trials during their training, however, in the absence of specific research‐based curriculum objectives or formalised training in trial methodology, this tends to be an area overlooked in non‐integrated academic training programmes. The Haematology NIHR Trainee Programme provides trainees with the opportunity to play a key role in clinical research, enabling the future attraction and retention of professionals conducting people‐based research.
The NWC CRN recruited its first local trainee, now nationally referred to as HaemSTARs (Haematology Specialty Trainee Audit and Research) in February 2017. A consultant with experience in clinical research and an active Trials Portfolio adopted a supervisory role. A programme of regular meetings chaired by the trainee, allowed introduction and relationship building with other key CRN members, and the establishment of shared learning objectives. These included an understanding of the NIHR and CRN framework and the diversity of trial types including the Commercial Portfolio and Phase 1 studies. Key workforce of NWC CRN provided an educational programme, which alongside formalised training in Good Clinical Practice and Leadership skills, allowed the trainee to gain confidence in research methodology.
The trainee was offered the opportunity to engage with industry sponsors and service managers, with the aim of expanding the local research portfolio. This culminated in the opening of a study in a district general hospital leading to their first NMH patient recruitment. As a part of the national HaemSTAR project, the trainee was also able to facilitate the setup of the Flight Study locally. The trainee, now a newly appointed Consultant, has reported using the invaluable skills, intelligence and familiarity of an active research network acquired to pursue opportunities to open further trials at her local trust.
Trainees are supported to attend the national NIHR Haematology Specialty meetings to understand and overcome barriers to research, as well as engage with industry sponsors and representatives from CRNs. This has enabled dissemination of ideas and information on trials opportunities, as well as networking with likeminded trainees as they transition into Consultant roles.
Following the success of this pilot and the establishment of the HaemSTAR network nationally, a new Liverpool trainee has now been recruited to work with the NWC CRN. This allows continuity of the work of the predecessor trainee and maintained expansion of local trials portfolios. There is an anticipated long‐term impact of the local programme in producing a cohort of future consultants equipped to continue to improve trials activity within the NWC CRN. Trainee feedback of the model we describe the empowerment of speciality trainees to contribute to the delivery of NIHR key objectives in a speciality traditionally under‐represented. The early success of the programme could also be extended to other specialties to expand patient involvement in research.
Loizou, E; Karpha, I; Nicholson, T; Toh, CH; Dutt, T. (2018). Haematology Speciality Trainees Driving NIHR Clinical Research: The North‐West Coast Clinical Research Network (NWC CRN) Experience . British Journal of Haematology. 181 (Suppl S1), 168
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