Clinical Research Nurse/Physiotherapist Specialist

Position Overview

This role presents a unique opportunity for a qualified nurse or physiotherapist with expertise in critical care to engage in a significant research initiative focused on enhancing recovery for patients post-ICU discharge. The Enhanced Recovery After Critical Care (ERACC) program is dedicated to formulating and evaluating an improved care pathway for individuals transitioning from ICU, with the goal of optimizing their recovery and rehabilitation process. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in various facets of the clinical research program, which includes conducting comprehensive literature reviews, recruiting study participants, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data, and managing related administrative tasks and training. The clinical researcher will collaborate closely with the Principal Investigators and co-investigators involved in the study. There may also be an opportunity to pursue a funded PhD as part of this position.

Key Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Conducting systematic literature reviews to inform the research.
• Collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders contributing to the project.
• Serving as a clinical role model while interacting with personnel at study sites.
• Recruiting participants for the various studies encompassed within the project.
• Executing qualitative interviews and ethnographic observations, along with data analysis.
• Accurately collecting and documenting research data in a timely manner.
• Preparing findings for peer review and reporting to funding bodies.
• Identifying and reporting any issues related to the research studies promptly, while proposing solutions.
• This role will necessitate travel to multiple study sites for data collection.

About Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is recognized as one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK, offering a comprehensive array of general and specialized clinical services. It serves as a hub for medical education and training, comprising four hospitals. Our core values, standards, and behaviors shape the quality of clinical care we provide and the professional relationships we cultivate with our patients, colleagues, and the broader community.

Our Commitment to Excellence

We are dedicated to delivering compassionate excellence, which emphasizes our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement, and excellence. These principles place patients at the center of our efforts and underpin the high-quality healthcare we aspire to provide for our patients and their families.

Job Responsibilities

Main Tasks and Duties

Key Collaborations

The post holder will work closely with:

• Patient and public contributors.
• Research colleagues within the Critical Care Research Group.
• Staff, patients, and family members at various study sites.
• Chief and Principal Investigators, grant co-applicants, external research personnel, and study sponsors.
• Oxford University Hospitals Foundation Trust and the Oxford University Research and Development Office.

Knowledge, Training, and Education

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct thorough systematic literature searches pertinent to the research project, guided by the project team.
• Accurately gather research data, including both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative research findings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals to report research outcomes.
• Effectively communicate research findings to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with the study team and research sites to co-design and implement modifications to clinical practices.
• Ensure adherence to protocolized changes in clinical practice as part of the research studies.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of the study and comply with all protocols and governance requirements.
• Be a positive clinical role model, demonstrating expertise in post-ICU rehabilitation and recovery.
• Advocate for the project, representing the team at study sites and stakeholder meetings.
• Stay informed about current evidence related to critical care recovery.
• Complete necessary training, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance.

Clinical Responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to:

• Practice in accordance with their professional code of conduct, being accountable for their decisions and actions.
• Communicate sensitive and complex information regarding patient care with respect and empathy.
• Provide comprehensive information to patients regarding clinical research to facilitate informed consent.
• Support study sites in delivering the study intervention as required.
• Plan and monitor patient care in accordance with research protocols throughout the study duration.
• Be sensitive to the emotional needs of patients and their families.
• Ensure patients understand the voluntary nature of research participation and their right to withdraw at any time.
• Coordinate study procedures to maximize patient comfort and well-being.
• Collect data from medical records and complete Case Report Forms (CRFs) as necessary.
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team to promote individualized patient care.
• Maintain a confidential register of patients willing to be contacted for future research studies.
• Ensure compliance with study requirements in accordance with research protocols and Good Clinical Practice.
• Assist with study administration and the storage of relevant documents.

Leadership and Management

The post holder will be required to:

• Manage their own complex workload, balancing academic activities with supporting research sites.
• Liaise with designated staff to ensure the smooth operation of research studies.
• Record and report any serious adverse events occurring during research activities.
• Organize and conduct teaching sessions about ongoing and potential research studies.
• Prepare reports for funders and papers for publication, presenting findings at various meetings and conferences.
• Support project Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) activities.

Mental and Emotional Effort

This role requires frequent and sustained concentration while conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing research data, and engaging in interviews with patients and clinicians.

Occasional emotionally challenging discussions with patients may arise during research interviews.

Working Conditions

There may be occasional challenging working conditions while collaborating with clinical staff to implement changes in patient care.

Qualifications

Essential

• Honors degree in Nursing, Allied Health, or a related health discipline.
• Professional registration with HCPC or NMC.
• Post-registration postgraduate training at level 7.

Desirable

• Training in research methodology.
• Current GCP training.
• MSc in a related field.

Experience

Essential

• Strong understanding of current issues and legislation within the NHS and clinical research framework.
• Demonstrated experience in management and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Participation in quality improvement, audit, service evaluation, or research studies.
• Experience in teaching or supervising in practice settings.

Desirable

• Experience in qualitative research.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience managing a research project.
• Collaboration with Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) groups.

Personal Skills

Essential

• Excellent clinical skills with comprehensive knowledge of post-ICU rehabilitation.
• Understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures relevant to this role.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and perform under pressure.
• Effective communication skills, including empathy and active listening.
• Able to present information in various formats.
• Team-oriented with the ability to prioritize workload.
• Capable of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Desirable

• Experience in partnership working with consumers or users.
• Potential to pursue a PhD.
• Knowledge of the research governance process, including ethical approvals.

Behavioral Skills

Essential

• Innovative and adaptable.
• Approachable demeanor.
• Self-motivated.
• Collaborative team player.
• Well-organized.

Technical Skills

Essential

• Proficient in computer use, particularly with Microsoft Office applications.