Almost 23,000 healthcare professionals undertook the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network’s Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training during 2013–14, latest figures reveal.
All NHS clinical research should be conducted in accordance with the principles of GCP. These principles ensure studies are conducted as safely as possible, to the highest possible quality and with respect for the people taking part in studies.
Almost 23,000 healthcare professionals undertook the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network’s Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training during 2013–14, latest figures reveal.
All NHS clinical research should be conducted in accordance with the principles of GCP. These principles ensure studies are conducted as safely as possible, to the highest possible quality and with respect for the people taking part in studies.
The NIHR Clinical Research Network launched its free GCP training in 2010 with facilitator-led taught workshops and in 2012 launched its e-learning course to reach more people and allow for flexible learning.
Susan Hamer, Director of Organisational and Workforce Development Director at the NIHR Clinical Research Network, said:
“I am delighted with the figures announced for GCP training this year. The launch of the e-learning in 2012 is really reaping rewards with more than 13,000 people opting to do the online training this year – providing a more convenient way to learn. Our GCP facilitators have also delivered great face-to-face courses as our feedback shows.”
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency backing
While there are other providers on the market, the NIHR Clinical Research Network’s GCP training has the support of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). MHRA GCP Inspectors have worked closely with the Network to review the course content and set the standard. The courses are uniquely designed to provide a very practical and scenario-based learning experience for healthcare professionals, which reflect the real-life situations they could be acting in.
The NIHR Clinical Research Network’s GCP programme is widely recognised by commercial companies as it is readily accessible across the whole of the NHS and sponsors are assured that it meets regulatory requirements.
Dr Paul Roberts, Research and Development Manager at Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR Clinical Research Network GCP Trainer, has trained more than 450 researchers across 29 courses and explains how he feels about the programme:
“Based upon my experiences as a trainer and from observing the practical impact of improved GCP awareness within the NHS, it’s hard to think of anything that has had a more profound effect upon the quality of clinical research in England than the national GCP training programme, and the delivery structure put in place by the NIHR Clinical Research Network.”
For more information about the NIHR Clinical Research Network’s GCP programme visit http://www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/learning-development/
