GCP Development

Introduction to GCP training

The provision of high quality Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training to support the delivery of NIHR Portfolio studies is the number one priority for the Workforce Development team in the Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre. Over the past 12 months we have developed a new approach to both the content and the delivery model for this training. We worked closely with stakeholders within and outside of the CRN, including the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).  As a result, we have established a standardised Introduction to GCP course.

The content of this course was refined and developed through an iterative process of evaluation and feedback from nearly 300 participants, our stakeholder group and reflection from facilitators. This feedback indicated that participants find the course useful and relevant. Participants appreciate the opportunities to discuss practical issues, gain insights into the experiences of others and develop strategies to overcome difficulties and improve standards.

Facilitator Development Programme

The successful roll out of this course lies in the close collaboration between ourselves and the Clinical Research Networks  to build local capacity and capability to deliver the training. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of the training model and ensure that staff supporting Portfolio studies can access the GCP training that they need without having to wait for and then travel to centrally delivered courses.

To this end we piloted our first Facilitator Development Programme (previously referred to as the ‘Train the Trainer’ course) on 22 – 24 February 2010 in Wakefield.  The pilot gave us the opportunity to work with individuals and organisations willing to deliver the standardised NIHR CRN GCP course in their local area with our support. It was evaluated extremely well and participants have now started to deliver the Introduction to GCP course in their local areas. 

The Facilitator Development Programme: Content and approach

The aim of the Facilitator Development Programme is to provide the networks with the opportunity to have named individuals from the locality who have been trained in the delivery of high quality GCP materials which can be delivered over one day or in modular form. These individuals will be offered ongoing support both with training and with resources, ensuring a standard approach to training of the highest calibre throughout the country.

Local delivery: How will this work in practice?

Those who take part in the Facilitator Development Programme will be expected to deliver training locally within six weeks of attending the programme. The frequency and delivery of training after this will depend on local circumstances and need.

Members of the Workforce Development team, who are experienced in providing coaching to trainers in the NHS, will be offering continual support and trainers will also be encouraged to find mentorship and support in their local area. Peer support from fellow trainers from the Facilitator Development Programme will also be available and encouraged through the Community of Practice.

The responsibilities and costs associated with this dispersed model of delivery are twofold: infrastructure and quality assurance will be delivered by CRN Workforce Development while local identification of need, staff and running costs for the delivery will be met by the local network or trust in which the training is being delivered.

Further Facilitator Development Programmes are planned for April (fully booked), June, September and November at different locations throughout the country.  For further information about taking part in one of these programmes, please contact the CRN Workforce Development team, crncc.training@nihr.ac.uk

There is a parallel work plan in progress that will lead to the implementation of a new approach to the provision of online GCP training.

For any further information, or to get involved with the GCP development contact the CRN Workforce Development team, crncc.training@nihr.ac.uk