Guidance Notes for Clinical Research Networks

The Clinical Research Support Centre (CRSC), a new initiative within the HPSS R&D Strategy that is designed to assist new and established researchers in the HPSS throughout the Region, is now “open for business”!

The aim of the CRSC is to promote and support high quality HPSS R&D covering the spectrum of HPSS activity from clinical research to health and social care services research. This Regional facility is lead by Dr Karen Bailie, a Consultant Haematologist with experience in Epidemiology and Health Services Research. The CRSC Team is expanding, and when fully established will have a broad range of research-related skills including Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, Health Economics, Qualitative Research Methods, Data Management and Information Technology.

Giving advice is one of our key functions, and is FREE of charge. We can provide assistance at any stage of your project, but to get the most from the service, it is recommended that you speak to us early. The CRSC offers assistance at any level, from refining research questions, study design and statistical issues, through recruitment and data management to report writing and guidance on relevant regulatory requirements. CRSC Team Members can also be active research participants.

The CRSC has a key role to play in a new All Ireland Co-operative Group for Cancer Clinical Trials. The CRSC will provide the statistical and data management facility for a network of 10 Cancer Centres throughout Ireland, including the NI Cancer Centre. This data management facility will also be available to researchers in other clinical areas who wish to lead the conduct of multi-centre trials.

The CRSC has expertise in the set up of commercially sponsored clinical trials within the HPSS. We can facilitate the identification of appropriate clinical teams, undertake feasibility testing, and broker clinical trial agreements in accordance with current regulations and best practice. In this increasingly regulated area of research, our services are designed to help maximise the benefits of this type of activity.

Finally, The Centre has a training remit for research skills, processes and regulations. We will be developing a training programme over the coming months that will complement those opportunities already on offer from a variety of other sources. Our aim is to increase research knowledge and capacity across the spectrum of HPSS disciplines, and suggestions on format and content are welcome.

The following documents provide further information about the Clinical Research Support Centre.