Research Coordinator

Job Overview

The Research Coordinator is to work in collaboration with research teams in providing a supporting service to the practice while providing another income stream for the organisation.

The post-holder will support the coordination of a variety of studies relating to both searching for eligible patients and supporting to discuss the viability of the research with the team. This will involve supporting and recording the suitability checks, screening and the subsequent monitoring of patient data.

The Research Coordinator will be expected to work in accordance with specific guidance and protocols as deemed necessary by both the practice and the requirements of each individual study.

This role will require developing good working relationships with:

Patients

• Practice staff
• External research study organisations
• As required, public health, local authorities, schools etc.

The post-holder will be an integral part of the general practice team, as well as supporting the wider practice network and multi-disciplinary team.

As a member of the practice multidisciplinary team, the post-holder will ensure research is delivered effectively to the entitled patient population. They are to participate in formal training events and to promote best practice in their area of expertise.

Primary key responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Research Coordinator in delivering health services:

a. Undertake a variety of duties that are within the guidelines and protocols set by the practice and that of any individual research study or opportunity

b. Work independently to manage a caseload of patients whilst working as part of a multidisciplinary team

c. Undertake searches of clinical records and then support the clinical team to interpret these to ensure suitability to individual trials

d. To submit reports and audits

e. To produce and sent invoices

f. Act as a resource and support to patients and their relatives, explaining the practical aspects of clinical research

g. Facilitate the informed consent process, in compliance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ensuring that the patient and relatives fully understand the nature of the research

h. Ensure that all research work is in accordance with GCP, EU directives, ethics approval and amendments and research governance standards for clinical research

i. Record clear and contemporaneous study documentation to accurately record research activity

j. Seek to address any incomplete, inaccurate or misleading documentation

k. Maintain effective communication with patients, carers and professionals to ensure service delivery

l. Attend MDT meetings as appropriate

m. Support the development of strategies to deliver research studies in accordance with national, regional and local performance targets

n. Maintain links with clinical research practitioners, research personnel and clinical nurse specialists across the region to share knowledge and to provide mutual support

o. Be aware of duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies and procedures on safeguarding adults and safeguarding children

p. Always comply with infection prevention and control procedures

q. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of disease area-related/research related articles, particularly related to current clinical research

r. Follow all data protection legislation and appropriate standard operating procedures

s. Encourage collaborative working, liaising with all staff regularly, always promoting a culture of continuous improvement

t. Contribute to study developments as requested, including participating in the development and execution of relevant Standard Operating Procedures to ensure these are updated as require

u. Participate in clinical audits and implements change as required, including supporting with the development, and updating of practice protocols/guidelines and procedures locally

v. Work within national and local protocols where these exist

w. Demonstrate initiative and be creative in finding solutions to problems

x. Participate in the management of patient complaints when requested to do so and participate in the identification of any necessary learning brought about through incidents and near-miss events

y. Undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes

z. Attend a formal appraisal with their manager at least every 12 months. Once a performance/training objective has been set, progress will be reviewed on a regular basis so that new objectives can be agreed

aa. Contribute to public health campaigns (e.g., flu clinics)

bb. Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times

cc. Contribute to practice targets (QOF, etc.), complying with relevant guidance

dd. Maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation ensuring that SNOMED CT codes are used effectively

ee. Maintain chronic disease registers and implement an effective call/recall system

ff. Chaperone patients when necessary

gg. Support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies

hh. Liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients, etc.)

ii. Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks, this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels

Wider responsibilities

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Research Coordinator has the following wider responsibilities:

a. Support the development, review and implement protocols in conjunction with the Research Team and Partners

b. Support members of the practice, providing guidance when necessary

c. Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care

d. Support and participate in shared learning within the practice in order to improve patient care

e. Support administration work and patient Coordinator work when not actively engaged in research administration.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From £12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person