199 Making research an always event: the impact of a children’s clinical research fellow

Objectives

As one of the largest Children’s Hospitals in the UK, Leeds is proud to host a plethora of research activity across a diverse range of clinical services and specialties. As a hub for inpatient based trials, we deliver internationally impactful experimental trials whilst being inclusive of our diverse population. Our aim is to improve outcomes for patients whilst reducing health inequalities, bridging inequity. A children’s research fellow supports research delivery and drives improvements in the speed, quality and integration of a broad portfolio of research in the clinical care of children, to enable research to be core business in the achieving optimal clinical outcomes for our patients.

Aim

To demonstrate how to bolster enthusiasm towards the engagement, awareness and confidence of clinical teams when undertaking research in the setting of neonatal ICU.

Methods

We employed a selection of specifically crafted interventions to target knowledge gaps as identified in an induction questionnaire given to doctors at the start of their placement.

The interventions

The ‘Ruggle’A weekly research huddle has been introduced, providing training on active studies with monthly updates to outline progress and celebrate success. The team learns from effective examples of patient recruitment and can trouble shoot cases that have been missed. Consent simulationsWe have developed specifically designed practice scenarios to allow trainees to practice consent communications skills. These can be run as exercises for learning and evidenced on the trainee’s professional development portfolio. Investment in the NIHR Associate Principle Investigator scheme (API)¹This is a six-month in-work training opportunity, providing practical experience for those starting their research career, to become part of the clinical team delivering research in their day to day role. I performed a retrospective 3-month analysis of the inpatient recruitment numbers prior to taking up my post then compared this to the trends seen in the first 4 months of my fellowship.

Results

The benefit of a having a clinical research fellow in-post is reflected in increased research activity and the overall attitude of our neonatal intensive care unit when approaching research. [ Figure 1- Trends in recruitment]

Missed cases drastically declined

Eligibility reduced due to unit cot closures.

Conclusions

Undertaking a clinical research fellowship is an invaluable experience not only for the trainee but for the services and research delivery structures. Lessons learnt here could inform colleagues of the merit of establishing such programmes in their local service.

Reference

Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme. The national institute of health and care research. Online at: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/health-and-care-professionals/career-development/associate-principal-investigator-scheme.htm