Research Practitioner

Readesmoor Medical Group Practice; Congleton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical practice in Congleton is looking for a Research Practitioner to enhance their research initiatives. The role involves coordinating various studies, managing patient caseloads, and ensuring adherence to protocols. Ideal candidates will have a strong clinical background, effective communication skills, and relevant qualifications. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to vital research projects while working in a collaborative environment focused on patient-centered care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years post-graduate clinical experience required.
• Experience in education related training programs for research is necessary.
• Must have a background in patient-facing clinical environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate research studies and manage patient caseloads.
• Attend multidisciplinary team meetings to offer research expertise.
• Conduct patient screenings and maintain accurate clinical data.

Skills

Research management systems knowledge

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Good clinical practice

Clinical governance knowledge

Education

Registered with relevant professional regulatory body

Educated to degree level

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) qualification

Job description

The Research Practitioner will play a key role in supporting the practice to deliver high-quality research studies while contributing to an additional income stream for the organisation.

The post-holder will:

• Coordinate a range of studies, including identifying eligible patients, assessing suitability and discussing participation.
• Conduct screening, suitability checks and monitor patient data throughout the research process.
• Adhere to all study-specific protocols and practice guidelines.

The post-holder will be an integral part of the general practice team, supporting the wider nursing network and multi-disciplinary team. They will ensure research is delivered effectively to the appropriate patient population, participate in formal training, and promote best practice within their area of expertise.

This role will require the post-holder to build strong working relationships with patients, practice staff, external research organisations and public health bodies.

Main duties of the job

• Independently manage a patient caseload while ensuring accurate, timely documentation and resolving discrepancies
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and multidisciplinary professionals to support service delivery
• Attend MDT meetings and clinics, offering research expertise and collaborating with regional practitioners to share best practice
• Adhere to all policies, SOPs, regulatory requirements and uphold the Research Governance Framework, GCP and professional standards
• Assist with internal and external audits
• Maintain CPD and stay up to date with disease-specific and research developments
• Identify knowledge gaps through appraisal and ongoing learning, and contribute to study development including drafting and updated SOPs
• Support identification of future studies and liaise with the NIHR Research Delivery Network to report activity
• Conduct medical record searches for feasibility and pre-screening and maintain comprehensive knowledge of study protocols
• Perform venepuncture, observations and process samples, escalating abnormalities when required
• Provide clear information and ongoing support to participants, completing CRFs and maintaining accurate clinical notes
• Conduct study visits, liaise with the Principal Investigator and report serious adverse events within the required timelines
• Complete administrative duties, attend required training, arrange sample couriers, dispense IMP per SSP
• Plan annual leave around team activity and provide cover for colleagues when needed

About us

Readesmoor Medical Practice is the largest GP practice in Congleton, providing primary care services to a patient population of approximately 14,500 people. Our patient population is varied in terms of its socioeconomic and geographic profile.

Readesmoor is part of the Congleton and Holmes Chapel (CHOC) Primary Care Network, working in collaboration with three other practices: Lawton House Surgery, Meadowside Medical Centre and Holmes Chapel Health Centre.

The practice and the wider PCN are supported by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team, including:

• GPs
• Paramedic Practitioners
• Advanced Nurse Practitioners
• Practice Nurses
• First Contact Physiotherapists
• Social Prescribing Link Workers

This wider network of practitioners enables us to deliver high quality, patient centred care across the local community.

We are currently expanding our research capacity in preparation for a newly approved clinical trial. To support this development, we have established a dedicated research office within the practice, which will be equipped with purpose-built facilities and new clinical equipment to enable high quality trial delivery to our patient population.

Job responsibilities

• Independently manage a patient caseload while ensuring accurate, timely documentation and resolving discrepancies
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and multidisciplinary professionals to support service delivery
• Attend MDT meetings and clinics, offering research expertise and collaborating with regional practitioners to share best practice
• Adhere to all policies, SOPs, regulatory requirements and uphold the Research Governance Framework, GCP and professional standards
• Assist with internal and external audits
• Maintain CPD and stay up to date with disease-specific and research developments
• Identify knowledge gaps through appraisal and ongoing learning, and contribute to study development including drafting and updated SOPs
• Support identification of future studies and liaise with the NIHR Research Delivery Network to report activity
• Conduct medical record searches for feasibility and pre-screening and maintain comprehensive knowledge of study protocols
• Perform venepuncture, observations and process samples, escalating abnormalities when required
• Provide clear information and ongoing support to participants, completing CRFs and maintaining accurate clinical notes
• Conduct study visits, liaise with the Principal Investigator and report serious adverse events within the required timelines
• Complete administrative duties, attend required training, arrange sample couriers, dispense IMP per SSP
• Plan annual leave around team activity and provide cover for colleagues when needed

Person Specification

Experience

• Broad knowledge of general practice
• Experience of research management systems, i.e. electronic data capture systems
• Experience of working autonomously
• At least 2 years' post graduate clinical experience
• Background of patient facing clinical experience
• Experience in education related training programmes pertaining to research
• Experience of quality initiatives. i.e. benchmarking
• Experience of managing, leading, and developing a team
• An appreciation of the new NHS landscape including the relationship between individual organisations, PCN's and the commissioners

Qualifications

• Registered with the relevant professional regulatory body
• Educated to degree level, experience of working in research and of conducting a research project
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) qualification in research

Clinical Knowledge and Skills

• Proven ability to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of own clinical practice
• Understand the importance of evidence-based practice
• Broad knowledge of clinical governance
• Ability to promote best practice
• Good clinical system IT knowledge and an ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Interpret and implement relevant policy agendas for health and research
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information effectively with people at all levels by telephone, email and face to face
• Understanding of safeguarding adults and children
• Knowledge of health promotion strategies
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
• Knowledge of public health issues in the local area
• Awareness of issues within the wider health arena and knowledge of health promotion strategies
• Chaperone procedure

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.