An Opportunity for Practice Managers

Practice managers are one of the lynchpins to the success of the NHS Research and Development strategy “Best Research for Best Health”. This is because it is vital that we collect high quality data and recruit participants from general practices to inform the evidence base to our health services. We acknowledge that we need to harness the knowledge that practice managers hold to ensure the smooth introduction and running of the studies in general practice. We are inviting you to get involved with this exciting and new development.

The overall aim of PCRN-East of England is to facilitate the delivery and development of high quality primary care research activity, for the benefit of patients, the public, practitioners and investigators. The network’s objectives are to:

a) improve the volume and efficiency of research;

b) facilitate a quality research culture and environment

c) widen patient and public involvement in research

d) strengthen collaboration with industry, based on a clear understanding of the network’s role

e) develop quality communications which meet the needs of partners and stakeholders

f) capture and disseminate learning from the work of PCRN-EoE.

The PCRN EoE are offering this unique opportunity to six practice managers across the region to work with the network on a project looking at developing the slick organisation of research activity in practice, including optimising opportunities for clinical research and recruitment, accounts, data storage and mail merge. It is hoped that this project will help us identify models to help set up clinical research clinics, and develop resources to enable practice managers to manage research in the practice in an efficient and effective way.

The managers will work collaboratively sharing their experience and expertise. It is proposed that the group will take full advantage of teleconferencing for meetings. A member of the PCRN-EoE will act as a lead contact and co-ordinator for this project and will convene monthly meetings, as well as being available on email and phone for any interim questions.

The outcomes expected from this project will be;

· a resource pack for practice that want to become research active

· training materials for practice managers to enable them to organise their practice effectively for research .

There will be opportunities and support to disseminate this work as an example of good practice in other areas.

Funding: (@ £120.00 per session), 3 sessions per month plus travel and other expenses. It is anticipated that funding will be made to the practice rather than to individuals although we may be able to consider alternative arrangements

Duration: 4 months - There would be a couple of meetings with PCRN staff and most of the work would be done by virtual means,

Start date: 26th April 2010

Please complete the attached application form .

Deadline for applications: March 31st 2010.

For further information please contact:

caroline.gunnell@westessexpct.nhs.uk or Helen.macdonald@cambridgeshire.nhs.uk

via the PCRN office on; 01223 725458

An Opportunity for Practice Managers

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