Clinical Research (Nurse) Practitioner | Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

An opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Research (Nurse) Practitioner at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of a portfolio of clinical research studies delivered across the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust footprint. The post holder will work collaboratively with the Research and Development Manager, Study Principal Investigators and other members of the research team, to assist with the achievement of local and national targets in relation to research delivery and maintain key working relationships with the NIHR Clinical Research Network and research sponsors.

Applicants will have experience of working with research/ clinical trials, possess good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Shortlisting proposed for: 1 November 2024

Interview proposed for: 12 November 2024

The post holder will work with the Associate Medical Director for Research, Research and Development Manager, study Principal Investigators, NIHR Clinical Research Network and Trust research department colleagues in order to develop and maintain the research infrastructure which supports the recruitment of participants to both commercial and non-commercial studies, coordination of participants in studies and the collection of research data.

Mersey Care is one of the largest trusts providing physical health and mental health services in the North West, serving more than 1.4 million people across our region and are also commissioned for services that cover the North West, North Wales and the Midlands.

We offer specialist inpatient and community services that support physical and mental health and specialist inpatient mental health, learning disability, addiction and brain injury services. Mersey Care is one of only three trusts in the UK that offer high secure mental health facilities.

At the heart of all we do is our commitment to 'perfect care' - care that is safe, effective, positively experienced, timely, equitable and efficient. We support our staff to do the best job they can and work alongside service users, their families, and carers to design and develop future services together. We're currently delivering a programme of organisational and service transformation to significantly improve the quality of the services we provide and safely reduce cost as we do so.

Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles.

Identify and recruit service users into clinical studies, acting as a source of information and support to service users and their relatives by explaining practical aspects of participating in clinical research

Ensure that each person fulfils the relevant study criteria and understands the implication of participation when taking informed consent

Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical principles for clinical research and its impact on current practice

Ensure ethical and clinical safe practice at all times

Ensure that each study is conducted in accordance with the study protocol, Trust Standard Operating Procedures and relevant research legislation and guidance

Provide direct patient care within the scope of the study protocol, including (but not limited to) physical observations, ECGs and phlebotomy where required

Process and ship blood and other samples as required in the study protocol, ensuring save and appropriate storage and handling of specimens in line with Trust policy and IATA guidelines

Provide appropriate information and support concerning research, care and treatment of individuals participating in research studies to any nursing and/or support staff involved in the participant's care

Liaise with Principal Investigators, support services (e.g. pharmacy, radiology, laboratories), study sponsors, clinical research associates and other members of the study team, to ensure smooth running of the study

Provide research information to medical, nursing staff, service users, General Practitioners, community services and other staff where appropriate

Take a proactive role to increase Trust participation in portfolio research and recruitment rates in individual studies

Responsible for timely, accurate and complete documentation in the participants care record and the study case report form (CRF) in accordance with Trust policy and regulations

Record and report adverse events, serious adverse events and suspected, unexpected, serious adverse reactions (SUSARs) that may occur during the course of the study, to relevant personnel and act as defined within the study protocol and according to Trust policy and ICH-GCP recommendations

Assist with the coordination of study visits, in line with protocol window requirements

Assist with the set-up, undertaking, and close of each research study as required

Assist with the identification of strategies to recruit participants into research studies

Assist with identifying barriers to recruitment and ensure that the R&D Manager and Principal Investigators are aware where this has the potential to impact on study delivery targets

Ensure that all research documentation, including screening, recruitment and regulatory records are complete and accurately maintained

Provide information to allow for invoices to be raised for payment where appropriate

Comply with organisational policy on documenting critical incidents and near misses and assist with root cause analysis and the implementation of changes in practice to reduce risk

Prepare for and participate in internal audits and inspections, evaluations and benchmarking exercises

Prepare and make available study documentation for monitoring audits and inspections as required by the Trust and associated regulatory bodies

Ensure the requirements of other agencies such as the National Institute for Health Research and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency are followed in order to meet research governance targets, improve clinical outcomes and ensure compliance with all legislation or standards expected for research services

Monitor and provide information on research activity giving cause for concern

Act as a mentor and contribute towards the induction and orientation of junior colleagues within the department

Plan own diary in accordance with the requirements of the Trust research portfolio

Ensure an appropriate and adequate hand over during periods of leave