Research-patientS and Clinical researcH Nurses: Exploring Their Experiences of tAking paRt in Clinical resEarch in the NHS
This study explores the experiences of both research nurses and patients who take part in clinical research within the NHS. Clinical research helps find better treatments, and research nurses are key to making sure these studies run smoothly and safely. They look after patients' wellbeing and manage the study tasks. However, balancing patient care with study demands can be tricky for nurses. This PhD study wants to understand their challenges and how nurses and patients interact. By interviewing them and observing their activities, researchers hope to learn how to make clinical research a better experience for both nurses and patients. This research is funded by LISS/ESRC and supported by King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Clinical research is a really important way the NHS improves healthcare. It helps us find out if new treatments are better than what we currently have. This particular study wants to understand all about the people involved in this research: the specialist nurses who run the studies, called Clinical Research Nurses (CRNs), and the patients who volunteer to take part, often called 'research-patients'.
CRNs have a big job. They make sure the research is done safely and correctly, collecting all the necessary information. They also support the patients, making sure their health and wellbeing are looked after throughout the study. But sometimes, they might feel torn between their duties to the research and what they think is best for the patient. For example, if they worry a treatment isn't in a patient's best interest, even if the patient has agreed to take part. We don't know much about these challenges.
This study aims to get a clearer picture of these experiences. By talking to both CRNs and research-patients, and watching them during research activities, the researchers want to understand the challenges CRNs face, how they manage their different responsibilities, and how their relationship with patients affects their overall experience. The goal is to find ways to make the experience better for both the nurses and the patients involved in future NHS research.
Key takeaways
- This study explores experiences of patients and nurses in NHS research.
- It aims to understand challenges and improve future research processes.
- Participation involves interviews for both groups and observations for nurses.
- The study focuses on adult clinical research at specific NHS trusts.
- Your privacy is protected, and you can withdraw at any time.
- Findings could help make research better for everyone involved.
Who may be eligible?
If you're a patient, you could be considered for this study if you are 18 years old or older and are currently involved in or have previously taken part in adult clinical research at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT). You also need to be willing and able to give your informed consent, which means you understand what the study is about and agree to take part.
We would not be able to include patients who showed interest in research but didn't actually join, or those who needed someone else to give consent for them due to not being able to do it themselves. Patients taking part in mental health or maternity trials, or those who struggle to speak English, would also not be able to join. Vulnerable patients or those at risk of harm would also be excluded for their own safety.
If you're a Clinical Research Nurse (CRN), you could be considered if you currently work in adult clinical research at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and are willing and able to give your consent to take part. CRNs working in mental health, maternity, or children's research would not be included in this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years or older?
- Have you taken part in adult clinical research at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust?
- Are you able to speak and understand English well?
- Are you willing and able to give your consent to take part?
- Are you not taking part in mental health or maternity research?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, here's what it would involve:
If you're a research-patient, you would have an interview with the researcher online. This interview would be a conversation about your experiences taking part in clinical research. The researcher will have a guide of topics to talk about, but it will be semi-structured, meaning there's still plenty of room for you to share your thoughts freely. We don't have a specific duration for the interview, but similar studies usually involve one session.
If you're a Clinical Research Nurse, you would also have an online interview about your experiences. Plus, the researcher might spend up to five days observing research activities in your department. This means the researcher would be there watching how CRNs and research-patients interact during things like appointments, collecting samples, or dispensing medication. They would be observing various departments like gastrointestinal, liver, respiratory, and more. This observation is 'non-participant', meaning the researcher only watches and doesn't get involved in the research activities themselves.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is clinical research?
Clinical research helps doctors and scientists find out if new treatments are safe and effective, and better than current ones, to improve patient care.
What is a Clinical Research Nurse (CRN)?
A CRN is a specialist nurse who manages and coordinates clinical research, ensuring it runs safely and patients are supported.
Why is this study important?
It helps us understand the experiences of patients and nurses in research, so we can make the process better for everyone involved.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, all information you share will be kept confidential and private.
Can I change my mind about taking part?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it won't affect your care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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