학술논문

Developing chief investigators within the NHS: the West Midlands clinical trials scholars programme.
Document Type
Article
Source
Clinical Medicine. Mar2022, Vol. 22 Issue 2, p149-152. 4p.
Subject
*CLINICAL trials
*RESEARCH methodology
*LEADERSHIP
*ENDOWMENT of research
*ACADEMIC achievement
*QUALITY assurance
*COST effectiveness
*ECONOMICS
Language
ISSN
1470-2118
Abstract
Consecutive Royal College of Physicians' Research for all surveys have highlighted the challenges for doctors becoming involved in research. Local issues included under-representation of chief investigators (CIs) and reduction in dedicated research time. The West Midlands National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) established a clinical trials scholarship (CTS) initiative in 2019 to develop research-active consultants in smaller trusts, with a dedicated day per week embedded in a local clinical trials unit. In the initial round of 41 applications from 13 partner organisations, 17 CTSs were appointed, including nine consultant physicians, with one subsequently deferring. After 2 years, the remaining 16 CTSs have been awarded 40 grants totalling £18.35 million as CI or co-CI, including 10 NIHR grants, plus >200 publications. These scholarships are a proven cost-effective way to develop CIs, provide academic leadership and promote a research culture, even in small, previously less research-active trusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]