Public Consultation: Draft report of the UKCRC Sub Committee for Nurses in Clinical Research (Workforce)

In September 2005 the UKCRC established a Sub Committee for Nurses in Clinical Research (Workforce) chaired by Professor Janet Finch. The Sub Committee was commissioned to write a report examining the current role of nurses as researchers and educators, investigating the barriers that stand in the way of nurses undertaking research careers, and making recommendations for a training and support structure for nurses to work as researchers and educators at different stages in their career.

The draft report has had valuable input from international and national experts and other key stakeholders. It builds on previous studies and reports and takes account of the changing working environment for nurses, including recent recommendations for modernisation of the nursing career structure, the research strategies of the four devolved Health Departments and the continuing development of clinical research infrastructure such as the UK Clinical Research Networks.

The report’s recommendations address three main areas: education and training; facilitating careers; better information on nursing researchers. The core proposal of the report lies in the creation of 4 award schemes as part of a coordinated clinical academic training path for nurses.

Before the report is finalised there is a 12 week period of public consultation. The UKCRC welcomes this opportunity to engage with the views of a wider group of stakeholders on the draft report and its recommendations.

To provide feedback on the draft report please complete the Consultation Response Form and return it as an email attachment to consultation@ukcrc.org by Friday 30th March 2007.