annual delivery report: 2015/16 - nihr · annual delivery report: 2015/16 crn: north west coast ......

Delivering research to make patients, and the NHS, better 1

Annual Delivery Report: 2015/16 CRN: North West Coast Version: 1.0 Date submitted: 13/05/2016

Delivering research to make patients, and the NHS, better

Clinical Research Network North West Coast


Contents

Section 1: Compliance with the Department of Health / LCRN Host Organisation Agreement ............................................................... 4

Section 2: Contribution to National NIHR CRN Performance Indicators ................................................................................................. 5

Section 3: Report on performance against the LCRN Development and Improvement Objectives for 2015/16 ................................... 14

Section 4: Report on performance against the CRN Operating Framework Compliance Indicators .................................................... 16

Section 5: Report on performance against Patient, Public Involvement and Engagement, Continuous Improvement and Workforce 2015/16 plans .................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Section 6: Host Organisation report on performance against the LCRN Host Performance Indicators ................................................ 24

Appendix 1: Report on network‟s contribution to achievement of the 2015/16 Clinical Research Specialty Objectives ........................... 27

Appendix 2: Report against the network‟s Patient, Public Involvement and Engagement Plan 2015/16.................................................. 64

Appendix 3: Report against the network‟s Continuous Improvement Plan 2015/16 ................................................................................ 67

Appendix 4: Report against the network‟s Workforce Plan 2015/16 ........................................................................................................ 68


A year at a glance 2015/16

31,214 Research Participants in 2015/16

31,214 people took part in research across CRN NWC region.

Increased Opportunities To Participate In Dementia Research

The CRN NW Coast continues to support the Government‟s Dementia Challenge and in 2015-16 supported 2,295 people to participate in clinical research associated with dementias and neurodegeneration.

Engagement With Life Sciences Research Nearly 1,900 participants were recruited to studies

sponsored by the life sciences industry last year.

Two „global firsts‟ reported in 2015/16

Partners to generated income in of £1.8 million from commercial research in 2015/16

6th

Largest commercial research portfolio out of 15 LCRNs

Improved R2TT performance from 48% in 2014/16 to over 65% in 2015/16

HSJ Value in Healthcare Awards

The NIHR CRN: North West Coast was shortlisted as a finalist for the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value in Healthcare Awards 2016, for an entry focussing on the benefits mobile technology and real-time data use has on the delivery of clinical research and how it has helped improve the patient experience.

Improved Study Set-Up And Delivery

CRN NW Coast is supporting studies to set up more rapidly, with 88% of studies now receiving NHS permission within 40 days at all sites. The median number of days to achieve NHS Permission in CRN NW Coast is now 3 calendar days.

RCNi Awards 2016 Research Nurse was a nominated finalised in the annual RCNi awards nominated under the Excellence in Cancer Research Awards category for her work in work in supporting Professor Chris Halloran (Chief Investigator) for the PANasta study.

NHS Engagement

Last year 100% of NHS Trusts and 35% of General Medical Practices were actively engaged in clinical research. In addition, 78% of NHS Trusts in NWC were supporting patient opportunities to participate in commercial contract research.

North West Coast Research & Innovation Awards 2015 A truly collaborative event between the AHSN, CRN and CLAHRC. The event showcased and celebrated success across the region in relation to clinical research and innovation. The awards evening attracted local and national media and raised considerable interest in NIHR research.


Section 1: Compliance with the Department of Health / LCRN Host Organisation Agreement

1.1. Please confirm that the Host Organisation has delivered the LCRN in full compliance with the DH/LCRN Host Organisation Agreement in 2015/16 including Appendix A Performance and Operating Framework (POF)

Yes ☒

No ☐

1.2. If you have answered no above, please specify the clause(s) and provide an explanation of why it has not been possible to achieve

compliance in 2015/16.

N/A 1.3. Please complete the table below to confirm that the enclosed Delivery Report has been approved by the LCRN Host Organisation Board or

is scheduled to be approved by the LCRN Host Organisation Board.

Signature:

Name and job title of signatory:

Dr Peter Williams (RLBUHT Medical Director / Nominated Executive Director CRN NWC)

Date of signature:

TBC

Date when approval was obtained or is expected:

TBC


Section 2: Contribution to National NIHR CRN Performance Indicators This section should summarise the network’s contribution to the CRN’s Performance Indicators.

2.1 NIHR CRN High Level Objectives 2015/16

Please complete the table below by (a) entering details of 2015/16 local goals for HLOs 1 and 7; (b) entering details of specific plans against all the objectives as presented in your 2015/16 annual business plan. Please add details of any additional actions undertaken, as needed. (c) For each objective, please complete the right column, commenting on your network’s performance against your plans for 2015/16 and local targets, where applicable. Please include: key achievements, successes and challenges, and where possible, reasons or an explanation for these.

*Specific Key Local Activities has been greyed out as this was information provided as part of the Annual Plan for 2015/16 Objective Measure CRN

Target LCRN Goal

Specific Key Local Activities for 2015/16 Performance against plan

1 Increase the number of participants recruited into NIHR CRN Portfolio studies

Number of participants recruited in a reporting year into NIHR CRN Portfolio studies

650,000 32,000 CRN NWC have again reviewed their performance targets based on feedback from NIHR CRN CC and further conversations with stakeholders, the senior management team and Clinical Leadership Group of the CRN. An analysis was performed based on recruitment data for the North West Coast since 2008/09. A number of recommendations were put forward for compiling the target for 2015/16 with the following key parameters considered (but not limited to):

Based on 3 year average

Based on total average (since 2008/09)

10% increase on final recruitment total for

2014/15

1% of population recruited

Sum of study sites targets

Using this information, the senior management team

and clinical leadership group agreed that a 10%

increase on 14/15 total recruitment was the most

appropriate method to utilise. A review of the data

available at the time of analysis gave a target of

26,445. When aligning this against the most recent

recruitment data this would increase the networks

overall target to 32,000 (29,091 total recruitment in

31,214

CRN NWC narrowly missed the target set in 2015/16. That said it is likely that a small lag in recruitment data upload remains. The year saw all Trusts and many other sites embracing the opportunity to participate in NIHR research for patient benefit. Despite a reduction in funding to the region in 2015/16 the network achieved significant recruitment due to the effective engagement from all stakeholders. Organisations across the region have embraced the ethos of embedding clinical research in the NHS for patient benefit. This is shown in their success in terms of achieving very close to target at year end.


Objective Measure CRN Target

LCRN Goal


14/15).

The network and its partners remain ambitious for the growth of the CRN NWC region and will continue to strive to optimise recruitment to the NIHR research portfolio. However the network has faced significant reductions in its NHS support resources available across the region in the past few years. In addition it is noted the regional portfolio of research is reliant on many studies which require smaller numbers of patients to be recruited. Both factors are instrumental in the networks decision to maintain a target that is both realistic and achievable in year.

Continue to operate effective performance management systems locally working at all times in collaboration with sites research delivery teams (Local study RAG / monthly performance management systems etc) to rapidly identify challenges to effective study recruitment and instigate prompt local escalation procedures to support recruitment to time and target (e.g. utilise Generic Nurse Task Force, implement local study reviews at sites to identify challenges to R2TT and develop individual study plans to enhance delivery in partnership with research teams, R&D Offices etc). In addition CRN NWC Performance Team meetings bimonthly to review recruitment across all specialties to achieve overall CRN NWC target.

2 Increase the proportion of studies in the NIHR CRN Portfolio delivering to recruitment target and time

A: Proportion of commercial contract studies achieving or surpassing their recruitment target during their planned recruitment period, at confirmed Network sites

80% 80% CRN NWC will continue to provide resource to support NIHR commercial research across partner organisations. The dedicated CRN NWC team now in place will enable allow greater oversight of the NIHR industry portfolio and will provide key support for industry as follows: robust feasibility, early identification of barriers to delivery and instigation of prompt action plans to address, CRN NWC attendance at site selection and initiation visits.

Continue current network facilitated „local industry service‟ in partnership with stakeholder Trusts. This

65%

CRN NWC ended the year in Amber for this metric. However the network saw significant improvements in their position in undertaking and delivering commercial trials. So much so that nationally the performance and ranking of the network has moved upwards as the year has progressed. Again this is due to the hard work of stakeholders to improve delivery across all sites.



LCRN Goal


service offers support to PIs/ R&D offices with costing and contract negotiation, SSI completion to streamline set-up of commercial studies. CRN NWC IOM will lead on this work with support from RDM‟s / Finance Manager. Work towards one-cost, one-contract model developing an „Industry Gateway Office‟ (IGO) across CRN NWC. The network are leading on this exciting initiative in partnership with the AHSN, Liverpool Health Partners (LHP), Lancaster University Research Hub and CRN NWC Partnership Group.

Industry Engagement Strategy to continue during 2015/16 led by IOM as follows

1) Continue to have monthly local performance management meetings to discuss R2TT commercial studies and commercial escalation procedures.

2) IOM (& team RDM‟s etc) to hold quarterly formal 1-1 meetings with R&D offices to discuss performance & feasibility.

3) IOM (& team RDM‟s etc) to hold quarterly 1-1 „industry surgeries‟ with Clinical Leads/ DCL‟s & SRG leads to discuss industry portfolio.

B: Proportion of non-commercial studies achieving or surpassing their recruitment target during their planned recruitment period

80% 80% Use Public Health Observatory and National Office of Statistics data to assist in the identification of PIC sites for studies failing to recruit to time and target

Continuation with CRN workforce Education & Training programme for research staff (particularly SRG Leads/Local CI‟s, CTU‟s etc) focusing on supporting effective research delivery and accurate reporting of recruitment through LPMS & other systems during LPMS roll out. Programme to ensure CRN NWC is an exemplar for uploading of recruitment data in a timely and accurate manner where LCRN NWC are the „Lead site.

Engagement with local registered CTU (Clinical Trials

Research Centre) and CRF‟s (x2 in NWC including

Children‟s NIHR CRF & Phase 1 accredited Trials

Facility RLBUHT) around on-going studies and CRN

68%

This data is based on the number of studies that are led locally (where the Chief Investigator is based in NWC). This therefore only represents a small subset of studies currently running in the region.



LCRN Goal


NWC support. In addition CRN NWC has a Generic

Research Delivery Taskforce which will be the

„Contingency Workforce‟ during 2015/16 with a

specific focus on maximising recruitment they will do

this by the provision of:

1. NHS support for new studies (New Grants awarded

during 2015/16) led by CI‟s within CRN NWC, where

these resources are not already in place and whilst

additional Trusts based study funded Research

Nurses are recruited and appointed.

2. Provision of cover for unexpected/unplanned sick

leave, which would otherwise result in studies facing

barriers to recruitment.

3. To provide additional support to prioritise R2TT in areas where further NHS support would improve patient recruitment before study closure.

3 Increase the number of commercial contract studies delivered through the NIHR CRN

A: Number of new commercial contract studies entering the NIHR CRN Portfolio

600 n/a Industry Engagement Strategy to continue during 2015/16 led by Industry Operations Manager as follows (but not limited to):

1. CRN NWC to forge links with North of England ABPI representative to help strategic development of NIHR portfolio across the CRN NWC & support closer links with Industry partners locally, including Pharmaceutical, Med Tech & SME‟s.

2. Continue to work in collaboration with NHS R&D Offices & local PI‟s/SRG Leads to raise the profile of NIHR & industry research opportunities through the NIHR networks.

3. Continue to work with local Partner Trust CEO‟s; R&D Directors & Key Opinion Leaders to raise the benefits of undertaking NIHR adopted Industry research in terms of effective performance management, support to recruit, early set up etc.

4. Develop partnerships with local CRF‟s and CRO‟s (Quintiles, Covance) & DRC‟s (Dedicated Research Centres) locally such as Synexus to maximise adoption of industry research onto the NIHR portfolio.

117 Unique – 136 study sites

This is a national target and no local target was set in 2015/16. However CRN NWC continues to perform well for the number of studies running in the region with the 6

th largest commercial

portfolio out of 15 LCRNs

B: Number of new commercial contract studies entering the NIHR CRN Portfolio as a percentage of the total commercial MHRA CTA approvals for Phase II–IV studies

75% n/a Unknown

This is a national metric that can‟t be measured by LCRNs



LCRN Goal


4

Reduce the time taken for eligible studies to achieve NHS Permission through CSP

Proportion of eligible studies obtaining all NHS Permissions within 40 calendar days (from receipt of a valid complete application by NIHR CRN)

80% 80% Study wide processes are already within required measure. CRN NWC will continue to work in partnership with Partner Organisations to ensure continued effective delivery of this metric through existing established systems.

RM&G for a number of existing Partner Organisations (Primary Care) has been unified with local governance reviews process. This service is open to all Partner Organisations and is in line with national plans to streamline the NHS approval of research.

Continuation of prompt Partner Organisations „Local Exception Reporting‟ by CRN NWC core RM&G team. Any issues escalated to monthly Performance Meeting.

88%

CRN NWC Partner Organisations have consistently performed well for this metric.

5 Reduce the time taken to recruit first participant into NIHR CRN Portfolio studies

A: Proportion of commercial contract studies achieving first participant recruited within 30 calendar days of NHS Permission being issued or First Network Site Initiation Visit, at confirmed Network sites

80% 80% Industry team to oversee robust feasibility ensuring that recruitment plans are in place during set up to recruit once study is open

IOM to review site processes for commercial contract studies and advise appropriately

25%

This is based on a very small subset of studies where the lead is based in the region (4 studies). Introduction of a Local Porfolio Management System in 2016/17 will help improve delivery for this metric. Action plans are in place to improve this in 2016/17.

B: Proportion of non-commercial studies achieving first participant recruited within 30 calendar days of NHS Permission being issued

80% 80% Maintain clear communications with all study teams through the Generic Nurse Task Force across the CRN NWC footprint in partnership with key stakeholders (Industry Team, SRG Leads, CI‟s/PI‟s, CTU‟s, LRN‟s, CRF‟, CRO‟s etc) to ensure effective NHS support resource / research support is in place for study start up.

52%

Introduction of a Local Porfolio Management System in 2016/17 will help improve delivery for this metric. Action plans are in place to improve this in 2016/17.

6 Increase NHS participation

A: Proportion of NHS Trusts recruiting each year into

99% 99% CRN NWC has consistently achieved this target to date with 100% of Partner sites engaged in NIHR research delivery to a greater or lesser extent. The

100%

Successful engagement with all



LCRN Goal


in NIHR CRN Portfolio Studies

NIHR CRN Portfolio studies

network will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure this success continues in 2015/16.

CRN NWC Partner Organisations all continue to report recruitment into NIHR portfolio research. CRN NWC will continue to engage with all Partner Organisations as in previous years to ensure this position remains through established communication/joint working partnerships.

Partner Organisations has ensured that CRN NWC has achieved this target in 2015/16.

B: Proportion of NHS Trusts recruiting each year into NIHR CRN Portfolio commercial contract studies

70% 70% CRN NWC has consistently achieved this target to date with 100% of Partner sites engaged in NIHR commercial research delivery to a greater or lesser extent. The network will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure this success continues in 2015/16. In addition the network is establishing a new „Commercial Engagement Strategy‟ with Community Trusts to establish a base for research and encourage uptake of commercial research growth in this sector.

78%

78%* of Trusts recruited into NIHR commercial research studies in 2015/16.

*NB: A number of sites advise that life science partners continue to request to undertake commercial research outside of the NIHR portfolio..

C: Proportion of General Medical Practices recruiting each year into NIHR CRN Portfolio studies

25% 25% Establish primary care engagement programme for enhancing community involvement in NIHR research. The networks IOM supported by RDM‟s and stakeholder Trusts who wish to participate in this programme will lead this initiative. A GP Advisor to the project will be appointed in early 2015 from within the networks Specialty Leadership for Primary Care.

CD& COO to extend Executive Engagement programme to CCG Boards through the following activities:

1. 1-2-1 CCG Chair & CD/COO meetings to

discuss NIHR research agenda to take place

over 2015/16

2. Establish CRN NWC Primary Care Research

Forum targeted at Practitioners within GP

practices that wish to engage with NIHR

research – forum will be open and inclusive

35%

CRN NWC developed a Primary Care Strategy in 2015/16. Part of that strategy was to support development of research within a number of different models. Supporting Federations, GP Clusters and Hub and Spoke models in 2015/16 resulted in improved engagement General Practice.



LCRN Goal


and will invite Practice Managers, Practice

Nurses, Community Pharmacy based in GP

sites, GP Champions etc. Group will meet at

least twice during 2015/16. Due to the size of

the region the network will support a number

of „Hubs‟ for this group across the geography

CRN NWC will continue to support and build on initiatives to encourage research activity/involvement such as RSI scheme, Research Training programmes etc. (NB: there are 648 GP practices in NWC).

7 Increase the number of participants recruited into Dementias and Neurodegeneration (DeNDRoN) studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of participants recruited into Dementias and Neurodegeneration (DeNDRoN) studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

13,500 719 CRN: NW Coast significantly over achieved on the recruitment goal set for HLO 7. However, this is due to high recruitment into one study which was split into different phases: 12495 - Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions Phase 2 Demographics and Clinical Info. Recruitment in 2014/15 = 636 12497 - Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions Phase 3 Consent and questionnaire. Recruitment in 2014/15 = 1057 It is not anticipated that this study will recruit much further into 2015/16. Therefore, the agreed target for 2015/16 of 719 is set based on expert knowledge of the portfolio in this specialty in CRN NWC. The network aims to continue to promote research in this specialty through the ongoing JDR campaign. One key ambition is to increase the pool of volunteers via JDR (ongoing promotion campaign) also by utilising nursing homes signed up to ENRICH for suitable studies and targeting none psychiatric settings for appropriate research

2,339

Effective partnership working and prioritised support to a number of key studies in 2015/16 meant that the network exceeded the original target set.

2.2 Contribution towards achievement of the 2015/16 NIHR CRN Clinical Research Specialty Objectives


CRN NWC remained committed to supporting equity of access for patients to take part in research across the NWC geography. Oversight of

delivery against the specialty objectives during 2015/16 has meant CRN NWC has delivered successfully to most of the 2015/16 Clinical

Research Specialty Objectives. However, there have been challenges to delivery particularly for the cancer incidence rate objectives and

interventional objective which was highlighted in the Annual Plan as an aspirational target. Key achievements, successes and challenges are

summarised below:

Key achievements & Successes

Successfully developed a number of Communities of Practice during 2015/16

Taskforce team expanded in 2015/16 as vacancies arose across the network to offer a flexible workforce to support research across

primary and secondary care.

Met specialty objectives for: Cancer Surgery, Radiotherapy, Rare Cancers and Children‟s Cancer & Leukaemia and Teenagers and

Young Adults

Paediatric Oncology continues to perform well across NWC with the PTC at Alder Hey consistently ranked as one of the top in the

country for recruitment to NIHR portfolio studies.

CRN NWC has successfully supported JDR and developed a number of local JDR Champions to support recruitment to JDR. We‟ve

ensured lay representatives input into the project. One of our Partners received recognition from the Prime Minister for their work in

promoting JDR.

35% of GP practices took part in NIHR research during 2015/16. Our supporting primary care plan increased uptake and engagement in

2015/16 and CRN NWC supported a number of different federated, cluster and hub and spoke models in 2015/16

Ophthalmology Specialty has performed particularly well in 2015/16 largely due to a Programme grant awarded to Professor Simon

Harding.

Respiratory specialty continued to grow in 2015/16 supported by a number of large grants awarded to Liverpool School of Tropical

Medicine (the portfolio cuts across a number of supporting specialties).


Area’s for additional investment in 2015/16

Genetics has successfully recruited into 5 multi-centre genetics studies, achieving 171 participants recruited, through the NIHR UK Rare

Genetics Disease Research Consortium. The network has funded a part time genetics counsellor to support recruitment, in addition to

Genetics Administrator funding. This had not been done before and the impact of having that role with a dedicated research focus will

be evaluated as we move into 16/17.

Haematology portfolio has continued to develop throughout 15/16 with recruitment reported to all four of the haematology sub-

specialties: haemoglobinopathy, thrombosis, bleeding disorders, transfusion. The network has continued to support this specialty using

expertise from the CRN NWC delivery taskforce (research nurse and data administrator).

Increased investment to support Primary Care Research in 2015/16

Challenges

Follow-up burden remains a challenge for CRN NWC across our 23 Partner Organisations this is particularly evident for the cancer

portfolios in some of our smaller District General Hospitals that have smaller teams and less research administration staff.

NWC CRN bid for accreditation of a Hyper Acute Stroke Research Centre during 2015/16 was not awarded in this year. Coupled with

pressures on clinical services across many sites and reduction in overall NHS support funding to the region this has impaired the

networks ability to expand research in some specialties.

Ensuring that CRN NWC has sufficient DENDRoN rater Trainers remains a challenge. During 2015/16 the network experienced a

higher than average level of staff movement from posts across the region. In some instances appointing new staff with the required

skills was a challenge. Actions are in place to resolve these issues in 2016/17 with a mix of training initiatives and proactive

collaborations across partners (e.g. Lancashire Care & Lancashire Teaching „collaborative‟ to deliver Dementia research). Investment

has also been made in the purchase of an ADAS Cog kit to roll out the rater training programme across sites in CRN NWC.

Indemnity issues for Practice Nurses working across multiple GPS within the region was highlighted as a challenge to research delivery

in 2015/16. Again plans are in development to mitigate for this in 2016/17.

CRN NWC Surgery portfolio remained small in 2015/16, the network forged links with the regions NIHR Surgical Trials Unit and the

national SRG lead for Surgery to develop an improvement plan for the future.


Section 3: Report on performance against the LCRN Development and Improvement Objectives for 2015/16 (up to 2 pages) 3.1 Please provide details, and evidence of the impact of, local actions and activities undertaken in 2015/16 to promote equality of

access, and ensure that wherever possible, patients have parity of opportunity to participate in research (not already covered elsewhere in the report)

The North West Coast region during 2015/16 has supported many local initiatives led by organisations across the region to embed research in

NHS services and provide opportunities for patients to participate. A number of these are captured within the specialty objectives throughout

this report, additional examples are:

Working in partnership for International Clinical Trials Day 2015: The Clinical Research Network (CRN): North West Coast took part in a

live „tweet chat‟ and radio panel interview on BBC Radio Merseyside which was conducted with patients and staff from The Walton Centre NHS

Foundation Trust, and Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust. Throughout the tweet chat people sent in their questions about clinical

research and the panel gave their answers live during the BBC Radio Merseyside morning show with Tony Snell. Statistics from this initiative

show that on 20th May alone, the #nwresearch tweet chat reached over 100,000 Twitter accounts with over 250,000 opportunities for people to

get involved in the conversation. This initiative was further boosted by the appearance of a regional celebrity Mr Ken Dodd who willingly lent a

hand (literally!) to show his support for the delivery of research in the NHS.

North West Coast Research & Innovation Awards 2015: November 2015 saw the first collaborative event with stakeholders from across the

NIHR and NHS England „family. The event sought to showcase and promote the tremendous talent across the region, in supporting the delivery

of research and innovation. The region‟s inspiring clinical research and innovation teams and other individuals including patients were

celebrated at these awards. Around 200 guests gathered at Chester Racecourse where 34 finalists were rewarded for their outstanding

achievements in clinical research and healthcare innovation. The event was hosted by the NHS writer, broadcaster, and speaker Roy Lilley and

attended by many leading Trust Chief Executives and their leaders across disciples. This was so successful it is now planned as an annual

event.


Picture 1: Mr Ken Dodd – Comedian and TV personality ‘lending a hand’ to support NIHR Research to CRN NWC

Communications & Engagement

Three locality „Workforce Road shows‟ were successfully planned and delivered across the region during 2015/16 to engage with the LCRN

workforce and wider NHS research colleagues. The events, held in Preston, Whiston, and Chester attracted over 200 attendees throughout the

year and feedback was unanimously positive at each event.

3.2 Please provide a reflective commentary illustrating how your network has demonstrated a ‘one-Network’ approach to delivery

(not already covered elsewhere in the report)

NIHR engagement across NWC region – the region has a number of NIHR accredited structures e.g. NIHR Clinical Research Facility

(Children‟s at Alderhey Hospital), NIHR Clinical Trials Units (Alderhey & University of Liverpool), Research Design Service (RDS, NIHR

Public Health Research Centre (Lilac Centre) , Biomedical Research Unit ( Pancreas – Royal Liverpool Hospitals). CRN NWC has

worked collaboratively across many stakeholders to deliver improved engagement through a structured program during 2015/16.

CRN NWC has engaged with the „Northern LCRN‟s and NIHR‟ and partners in the Northern Health Sciences Alliance (NHSA) to

consider synergies and opportunities to improve research delivery. Reports on progress will emerge during 2016/17.

The network agreed by the Host Executive and Partnership Group set up a „strategic‟ stakeholder collaborative meeting during the latter

part of 2015/16 to support business and finance planning. This brought together many clinical and non-clinical senior leaders to seek

their input to development of a „one network‟ agreed plan for future NIHR research delivery across the regions sites.


Section 4: Report on performance against the CRN Operating Framework Compliance Indicators (up to 5 pages) 4.1 Please comment on progress against your plans for delivery against the Operating Framework requirements (as set out in Table

3 of your LCRN Annual Plan 2015/16) Commentary to support delivery of the networks plans against the requirements of the NIHR Performance and operating framework is

contained within the plan below.

4.2 Please complete the right hand column of the table below as requested against each of the 2015/16 Operating Framework

Compliance Indicators

Domain Objective

1 LCRN Management Arrangements

A: Clinical Research Leads, Clinical Research Specialty Leads, Divisional Research Delivery Managers, Cross-Cutting Team and Support Team are in post

Please confirm if all posts were filled at 31/03/16

Yes ☐

No ☒

A small number of NIHR specialty Lead (SRG) posts remain unfilled across CRN NWC despite a number of adverts to fill these vacancies. In part this was because of limited interest due to small or non-existent portfolios of research in these specialties. Also competing clinical service and „other challenges*‟ which meant recruitment was not possible in year. Public Health, Age and Ageing, Health Service and Delivery Research, Dermatology, ENT SRGs remain vacant.

Due to movement of an existing postholder (1 X RDM) a post became vacant in 2015/16. As the network had a reduced budget and faced a shortfall of finances and redundancy of some senior staff following transition CRN NWC re-organised its core team to ensure cover for affected divisions.

B: LCRN leadership and management groups are established (LCRN Executive Group - Host Exec, Clinical Research Leadership Group – CRLG and Operational Management Group- OMG)

Please comment on the effectiveness of operation of each of the Groups mentioned on the left, highlighting any issues encountered in their operation:

CRN NWC established its governance structures as required which have run effectively during 2015/16. In brief these are as follows:


Domain Objective

1. LCRN Executive Group – Chaired by the Host Trust CEO and attended by the following personnel Host Trust; Medical Director, Deputy CEO/Finance Lead, HR Director, PG CEO Chair, Research Governance Clinical Lead, COO & CD NWC. This meets bi-monthly, meetings are minuted and actions taken.

2. LCRN OMG – Chaired by the COO of CRN NWC this group meets bimonthly and is also attended by the CRN CD. This meeting is formalised recorded and minuted with actions reviewed at each meeting. This is attended by the networks senior operational delivery team with formal presentations and reports.

3. LCRN CRLG – this group meets quarterly inviting all Divisional Clinical Leaders and SRG Leads. Each division presents performance against targets and highlights plans to improve where required. The networks CD chairs this group with the COO and RDM‟s/IOM in attendance meetings are minuted and actions taken.

2 Research Delivery A: LCRN Partner organisations adhere to specified national systems, and Standard Operating Procedures and LCRN guidance in respect of research delivery

Please comment on progress and achievements against this objective focussing on the following areas:

a) Delivery of CRN Study Support Service according to national SOPs and guidance for both commercial and non-commercial studies

CRN North West Coast has been involved in the Pilot for the National Study Delivery Assessment and more recently the Early Contact and Engagement with Researchers (ECER) during 2015/16. For the ECER CRN North West Coast have provided this service to our researchers for the past 5 years, this service has been made more consistent following the national SOP. Meetings have taken place with the relevant stakeholders: RDS, NHS Trusts, Universities, Clinical Trials Units regarding CRN Service offerings. An ECER marketing document was prepared aimed at study sponsors and Chief Investigators to promote the service. This has gone out in our monthly LCRN News Bulletins.

CRN North West Coast has provided a Feasibility process in accordance with the national SOPs for all Commercial studies through the networks industry Team. CRN North West Coast has been involved in the Pilot for the National Study Delivery Assessment since July 2015. The process has


Domain Objective

been developed within the CRN to complete the National Study Delivery Assessments. Training has been provided in year across the region. There have been a number of assessments carried out over the course of the Pilot.

Effective Study Start was completed according to the national SOP where studies have gone through the HRA approval process. CRN North West Coast continued to performance manage studies through their Operational Management Group meetings. All red studies were reviewed and escalated for resolution. Minutes were taken at these meetings, therefore, all actions/issues and resolutions were fully recorded and acted upon.

b) Provision of support for LCRN host and partner organisations to apply the principles outlined by the CRN CC for assessing, arrangement and confirmation of local capacity and capability for studies submitting for HRA Approval or delivery of support for study-wide and local governance review in accordance with the CSP Operating Manual where applicable to the study

Throughout 2015/16 CRN North West Coast have been providing a number of update sessions to keep partner organisations and clinical trials units fully up to date with the implementation of HRA approval and the decommissioning of the CSP Module. This involved the attendance of the HRA Change lead at all sessions. Sessions included a chance to feedback on any issues that the organisations had with HRA approvals. The CRN North West Coast provided advice and support to all partner organisations as sites worked their way through the changes in the process. All Partner Organisations are fully engaged with the CRN North West Coast and attendance at HRA meetings have been representative of all partner organisations.

B: Timely processing of study wide and local reviews with the CSP process (15 days respectively)

LCRN to insert commentary on their performance and progress in 2015/16:

Please see section 2.1 HLO 4

C: Support the delivery of the Government Research Priority of Dementia

Covered via completion of Section 2.1


Domain Objective

D: Develop a high level plan to improve research infrastructure through greater engagement of community pharmacy

CRN NWC is a member of the North West Pharmacy Group that has met regularly during the year 2015/16 to discuss pharmacy research. The network trained a group of community pharmacies that became „research ready‟ and is actively looking for portfolio studies to participate in. CRN NWC via its Study Support Service also worked with a number of key academics to support pharmacy research bids to NIHR funding bodies (bids involved Community Pharmacy outcomes awaited in 2016/17). CRN NWC also supported an active

3 Stakeholder engagement and communications

A: Promote research opportunities in line with the NHS Constitution for England, including informing patients about research conducted within the LCRN and actively involving and engaging patients, carers and the public in research

Highlights for the year included the successful co-ordination of a HSJ Value in Healthcare Award 2016 finalist entry for the use of mobile technology to improve the patient experience. In addition, the network‟s main monthly communication tool (Network News eBulletin) achieved 12,091 total opens, 2,676 shares via social media, and 2,204 sources of information contained within the updates were followed by click-throughs. The network‟s website achieved an average of 700 visitors per month. The network‟s Twitter followers grew by 26% (441) from 1,232 to 1,673, with 12,114 people visiting the network‟s profile page, and the annual activity generating 285,000 impressions.

B: LCRN communications function and delivery plans in place, and budget line identified

A permanent full-time Communications & Engagement Manager was recruited in April 2015. The function‟s lead produced a strategy with specific deliverables in place which have been monitored regularly via the OMG meeting and with support of the SMT. To deliver the strategy an annual budget for the function is in place. See Section 7 for more information.

C: LCRN contribution evident in national NIHR/NIHR CRN campaigns

CRN: NWC supported all national campaigns including OK to Ask / ICTD 2015 which generated significant media coverage, as well as the league tables campaign, and obesity specialty campaign. The network continued to support partner organisations with other NIHR initiatives and plans including JDR, the NIHR re-brand. See Section 7 for more information.

4 Continuous Improvement

Promote and sustain a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across all areas of LCRN activity to optimise performance

Please refer to appendix 4.

5 Workforce, Learning and Organisational

Develop and implement an LCRN Workforce development plan in partnership with relevant stakeholders and other local learning providers

Addressed via completion of Section 5 / Appendix 4


Domain Objective

Development

6 Financial Management

A: LCRN Host Organisation and LCRN Partner organisations must meet minimum control standards, as specified by the National CRN Coordinating Centre

The network had robust support from the Host Trusts finance team during 2015/16 to ensure CRN NWC met NHS Standard Financial Instructions and delivered its contract requirements. The network has an established „Finance Planning‟ Committee‟ which operated to clear terms of reference during the year to support financial management of NHS support funding.

In relation to minimum controls Partner Organisations provided declarations in 2015/16 to state they were in compliance with the minimum control standards. CRN NWC hosted a number of forums to present minimum controls during the year and worked with Partner Organisations (R&D & Finance) to ensure that each site had a clear income distribution and re-investment plan signed off at board level. In 2015/16 CRN NWC also asked each partner to declare commercial income for NIHR portfolio studies, this data was provided up to December 2015. CRN NWC supported its Partner Organisation to generation over £1.8 million in commercial income in this year alone NB: this figure is likely to be incomplete as year-end returns are not finalised at the time of drafting this report. CRN NWC also established a commercial income recuperation model for support from networks Taskforce team (21 + clinical and non-clinical staff). A model is being finalised for network funded trust based staff (due to be presented at next Host Executive Group).

B: LCRN Host Organisation must meet minimum requirements for the scope of internal audit work, as specific by the National CRN Coordinating Centre

Internal audit was carried out by Mersey Internal Audit in 2015/16 – Actions have been disseminated to Partner Organisations where required.

7 Information Systems

A: LCRN Host Organisation and LCRN Partner organisations have access to the required information systems and services

For each system identified below please indicate whether the LCRN Host Organisation and LCRN Category A Partner organisations have access:

CRN National systems Yes No

NIHR Hub ☐ ☒

ODP ☐ ☒


Domain Objective

CSP* ☒ ☐

CRN Portfolio Database* ☒ ☐

If you have responded „No‟ above, please provide an explanation for each system or service which has not been accessible in 2015/16:

Several of our partner organisations have difficulty accessing Google apps and some Trusts have been prevented from installing Google Chrome. CRN NWC have worked with partners to try to find solutions and were required escalated on-going access challenges to NIHR CRN CC. This continues to be a work in progress.

B: LCRN Host Organisation and LCRN Partner organisations have a Local Portfolio Management System(s) (LPMS) live and in operational use by LCRN-funded staff

LPMS live and in operational use by LCRN-funded staff in the LCRN Host Organisation and LCRN Category A Partner organisations?

Yes ☐

No ☒

If you have responded ‘No’ above, please provide an explanation:

CRN NWC has procured an LPMS system during 2015/16. A delay was experienced during the year as the network were requested to place a temporary „hold‟ on procurement by the NIHR CRN CC. This was resolved and the hold was lifted and procurement continued. CRN NWC have successfully procured an LPMS system of choice in year (Edge). Contracts are being finalised at year end.

8 Information Governance

LCRN Host Organisation and LCRN Partner organisations comply with CRN information governance requirements

Already addressed via Section 1

* Noting that these will soon become legacy systems


Section 5: Report on performance against Patient, Public Involvement and Engagement, Continuous Improvement and Workforce 2015/16 plans (up to 2 pages)

CRN NWC had an ambitious work programme for PPIE, Continuous Improvement and Workforce development in 2015/16 led by the networks

Workforce Development Lead in partnership with colleagues across the region. Key achievements, successes and challenges are detailed

under the relevant workstreams below:

Workforce Development

CRN NWC undertook a Workforce Review in liaison with its Partner Organisations in 2015/16. This Workforce Review sought to understand the

portfolio of activity undertaken by the networks partners, skill mix requirements and most importantly the needs of the delivery staff funded by

the network. Summary reports were shared with each site that took part in the review and an overall report was produced. There were a

number of key findings from this project and action plans were established accordingly in year. As part of on-going engagement with its

workforce, CRN NWC established a number of „workforce Road shows‟ in 2015/16. These events were developed to:

1. Give an opportunity for the CRN: North West Coast workforce to link with the networks core team on a regular basis in a variety of

locations across the regions of NWC.

2. Provide a forum where real work based issues could be discussed and addressed in a productive 'workshop' format.

3. Provide a platform for the CRN: North West Coast workforce to share examples of best practice with colleagues from across the

network.

Supporting staff to deliver NIHR portfolio research to be able to take part in relevant and appropriate training courses remained a key focus of

the regions workforce development teams. CRN NWC supported training to 654 delegates in 2015/16 supported by a team of Facilitators from

across the NWC geography, a breakdown of key attendance figures (Shown in brackets) from the year is presented below:

GCP (Intro & refresher) (601)

Research Practitioner Essential Skills Programme (53)


Workshops that Work” : NIHR facilitation Skills training (5)

The Research Practitioner Essential Skills (RPE) programme developed jointly with CRN GM continued throughout the year to be a key offer to

those new to clinical research, and was designed to be undertaken within 6-12 weeks of starting in a new research post. The programme had a

practical focus and was designed to provide an introduction to working within clinical research in the NHS. This multi-disciplinary programme

has continued to be well evaluated by those who attended in year.

Patient Public Involvement & Engagement

The networks PPIE programme continued to develop at pace in 2015/16, this programme is actively led by many research teams, Clinical

Leaders and R&D offices across the region and is supported by the CRN NWC Workforce Development Lead and wider Senior Management

Teams.

CRN NWC supported the roll out of the NIHR „Building Research Partnerships programme‟ (BRP) pilot working collaboratively with CRN GM.

15 practitioners and 2 patient representatives attended and 4 facilitators from CRN NWC were identified in year to deliver the BRP

programme/materials across the network in 2016.

CRN NWC also supported the NIHR Patient Research Ambassador Initiative (PRAI) across the region. To date, 51 researchers (healthcare

staff from CRN NWC partner organisations) and 9 patients from across the CRN NWC registered with PRAI. A number of organisations in the

region have embraced this exciting initiative with Trusts such as Blackpool Hospitals, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, The Walton Neurological

Centre and many more sites developing specific patient research programs supporting research delivery in year. One Trust „The Liverpool

Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust‟ has a long and established history of patient involvement in research, has appointed a

salaried Research Ambassador post. This individual is now a Lay Representative on the CRN NWC Partnership Group and PPIE group.


Section 6: Host Organisation report on performance against the LCRN Host Performance Indicators (up to 3 pages) 6.1 For each domain/objective, except where indicated otherwise, please comment on actions and approaches taken by the Host

Organisation in 2015/16 to achieve the objective, the effectiveness of these actions/approaches, and any issues which have arisen.

Domain Objective Host Organisation actions/approaches and any issues encountered in meeting/delivering against the objective in 2015/16

1 LCRN Leadership and Management

Deliver effective leadership and management of the LCRN.

The Host Organisation of CRN NWC continued to provide a formal framework of support to the CRN NWC during 2015/16. The COO reports directly to the Host Trust CEO and Medical Director. There is also a regular link with the senior HR team within the Host Trust.

2 LCRN Research Delivery Infrastructure

Deliver a responsive and flexible NHS support service that meets the needs of researchers, funders and industry.

Supported by the networks Host Organisation the CRN NWC has been able to offer all research nurses employed by the Trust permanent employment contracts. This has helped to support the networks research delivery taskforce when vacancies have arisen. The taskforce is a group of clinical and non-clinical staff (circa 20+ staff) appointed specifically through the Host Trust to work flexibly across all sites within the NWC region as required to support the delivery of clinical research accordingly. This has enabled a flexible and responsive staffing structure to support direct patient recruitment. This has proved invaluable in year with recruitment of patients by taskforce staff to be well over one thousand patients into NIHR studies in this year alone.

3 Financial Management

Deliver robust financial management using appropriate tools and guidance.

Please refer to section 4.2 Domain 6. RLBUHT as Host Trust for CRN NWC has provided exemplary finance support to the network during 2015/16.

4 Allocation of LCRN funding

Distribute LCRN funding equitably on the basis of NHS support requirements.

In addition to commenting on actions taken by the Host Organisation in 2015/16 to achieve the objective, the effectiveness of these actions, and any issues which may have arisen, please comment on the effectiveness of the local funding allocation model for 2015/16.

CRN NWC faced a reduction of NHS support funding across the region during 2015/16. This was managed across organisations in year through a number of ways including, but not limited to:

Withdrawal of NHS support funding where studies had reached a natural end and research grants had concluded.

Refinement of allocations of funding across sites based on extensive business planning in the prior year and on an on-going basis during 2015/16.

Removal of a planned contingency fund during 20151/6.



Organisational change to the CRN NWC Core team as vacancies arose in year.

Constant dialogue and effective study planning throughout the year with all relevant stakeholders to manage variances of NHS support requirements due to activity changes and staffing movement.

Support of the Host Trust and creation of an active finance planning committee, independently chaired by the Host Executive RM&G Lead. The FPC supported improved financial oversight and governance thereby reassuring stakeholders in a year of fiscal challenge.

5 LCRN Governance (Host Board)

Ensure that the LCRN Host Organisation board has visibility of LCRN business and fulfils its agreed assurance role.

Please confirm the number of occasions in 2015/16 when LCRN business was discussed by the Host Organisation Board and provide dates.

CRN NWC can confirm that network performance reports are regularly presented by the Host Trust Medical Director to the Trust Board. These reports are drafted by the networks COO supported by the Business Intelligence Lead and his team. During 2015/16 these reports have been presented on a quarterly basis. An example of these reports is contained in the appendices of this annual report. Exact dates to be confirmed as required by Host Trust Board.

6 LCRN Governance (Partner Engagement)

Ensure all LCRN Partners are engaged in the work of the Partnership Group.

Please complete the following table to confirm the number of Partnership Group meetings held within the 2015/16 operational year and representation:

Date of Meeting No. of attendees Of these the no. of lay attendees

06/07/2015 8 0

05/10/2015 12 2

10/02/2016 15 1

Please comment on the effectiveness of operation of the PG Group and any issues encountered, and actions taken to ensure the Group is engaged with primary care, mental health and community sectors - LCRN to add comments: CRN NWC considers it has an enthusiastic and research interested CEO/Medical Director community. The Host Trust is supportive of the research ambitions of CRN NWC and is engaged in delivery of this. However attendance at the networks partnership group by the appropriate board level attendee has been variable during 2015/16. Reasons for this are complex and include issues such as; The scale of the geography of the network. Conflicting priorities for Trust Board Members to attend to.



Vacancies in posts of Board Level members across the region during 2015/16. Lack or high quality videoconferencing facilities across the region in the current CRN offices during 2015/16. Potential attendance at the PG would be over 30 representatives if full attendance at meetings. In many cases meetings have not been quorate and so the ability to make decisions or agree strategic plans has been compromised this year. The PG is well supported by an active CEO Chair and Vice Chair. The COO has met regularly with the PG Chair during 2015/16 and the PG Chair has sat on the networks Host Executive this year. The Host Executive agreed a plan to ensure representation of all stakeholders across the PG including community, primary care and mental health providers. Again attendance has been variable during the year 2015/16.

7 Management of Risk

Establish and maintain an assurance framework and risk management system for the LCRN, including an escalation process.

CRN NWC has a risk register which has been regularly updated during 2015/16. This following groups regularly review the risk register:

1. Host Executive 2. Trust Board 3. Partnership Group 4. Clinical Leadership Group

Issues of concern are escalated to the Host Trust Executive and other appropriate forums as required throughout the year.

8 Management of LCRN Performance

Ensure delivery of LCRN performance against the LCRN Annual Plan.

Please refer to section 2.1. During the year 2015/16 the network and its partners have continued to be held to account for reporting performance and activity through the various groups detailed in this annual operational report.

9 Host Corporate Support Services

Deliver high quality Corporate Support Services as specified in the Performance and Operating Framework.

The Host Trust of CRN NWC has continued to support excellent corporate support services to the network as required in the NIHR performance and operating framework. There have been no issues encountered with this support during 2015/16.


Appendix 1: Report on network’s contribution to achievement of the 2015/16 Clinical Research Specialty Objectives For each objective in Groups 1-3 please (a) enter the actions to achieve the objectives based on your 2015/16 Annual Plan, adding any additional actions taken as appropriate; (b) In the right hand column, please comment on your network’s performance against your planned contribution in 2015/16. Where applicable, please include numerical data to illustrate performance against your local baseline where applicable and/or your network’s contribution to the national CRN target. Please highlight approaches which have proven particularly successful and challenges encountered, and provide reasons or explanations where possible.

GROUP 1: INCREASING THE BREADTH OF RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT IN THE NHS Increasing the opportunities for patients to participate in NIHR CRN Portfolio studies *LCRN actions to achieve objectives has been greyed out as this was information provided as part of the Annual Plan for 2015/16

ID Specialty Objective Measure Target LCRN actions to achieve objective(s) Performance against plan

1.1 Cancer Increase the opportunities for cancer patients to take part in research studies, regardless of where they live, as reflected in National Cancer Patient Experience Survey responses

Number of LCRNs which have an action plan to increase access in each subSpecialty (eg by opening studies, increasing awareness and forming referral pathways for access to research)

15 Objectives set as part of Division 1 Strategy:

The divisional RDM and Assistant RDM have links with the

national co-ordinating centre team to understand the

current portfolios and identify future studies that may be

suitable for inclusion into local portfolios

A transparent process for dissemination of potential

studies to sites will be developed. This will ensure equity of

access to studies based on local intelligence and past

performance. CI Lead for the network is undertaking a

local project to identify a robust local process with input

from RDM/ARDM

Ongoing portfolio scoping with specialty leads. Local sub

specialty leads to be invited to inform the relevant national

CSG strategy

The division will link with the national Clinical Studies

Groups, via the specialty research leads to horizon-scan

studies in development, those in the pipeline and

encourage local leadership of the research agenda

Regular monthly meetings have been established with IOM

All Trusts with a cancer service have reported recruitment into the cancer portfolio

Processes in place to identify new studies supported by Clinical Lead, Associate Leads, and sub-specialty leads for division 1

Regular divisional performance meetings in operation to oversee delivery for commercial and non-commercial portfolio

Established processes in place to support national services for industry



to review performance

The RDM and Assistant RDM will work with the Industry

Operations Manager and his team to establish processes

for dissemination of expressions of interest across the

division to ensure equity of opportunity for sites to

participate in industry-led studies

The division will support the process of performing

feasibility assessments, utilizing local intelligence and past

performance data

The division will receive monthly RAG reports from the

business intelligence function of the network. Led by the

RDM, the management team for the division will

benchmark local data against national data to highlight any

discrepancies before approaching sites to develop

remedial action plans

The RDM will attend monthly internal performance

meetings at network level to provide intelligence and

feedback to the business team, the COO and the Clinical

Director on any challenges in the portfolio and actions

taken to resolve issues. This will be the final escalation

point when all other avenues have been explored and

failed

The RDM will have regular quarterly operational delivery

meetings with Trust R&D departments to review

performance on a regular basis and identify with the

relevant trust personnel, any issues that prevent

recruitment to time and target

RDM will attend any relevant portfolio management

meetings in partner Trusts

Review skill mix as people leave posts to ensure the right

Regular meetings in place with R&D Managers to review cancer portfolio

Skill mix review process in place for leavers led by the networks WDL

Internal processes in place to request Taskforce support (21 staff) for cancer portfolio studies.

RDM part of the SMT and inputs into business planning processes.



workforce is in place to manage a changing portfolio

Secure Taskforce resources to assist in managing areas of

pressure within the delivery of the division 1 portfolio

Attribution of Activity Pilot

o Secure support form clinical leadership team to take

this work forward

o Establish a working group to identify a suitable model

for the attribution of recruitment at local level

Ensure that the complexities of managing division 1 portfolio are considered during business planning for CRN NWC so as not to destabilize workforce by unnecessary movement of staff

1.2 Children All relevant sites that provide services to children are involved in research

Proportion of NHS Trusts recruiting into Children‟s studies on the NIHR CRN portfolio

95% The divisional RDM and Assistant RDM will link with the national co-ordinating centre team to understand the current portfolios and identify future studies that may be suitable for inclusion into local portfolios

A transparent process for dissemination of potential studies to sites will be developed. This will ensure equity of access to studies based on local intelligence and past performance. CI Lead for the network is undertaking a local project to identify a robust local process with input from RDM/ARDM

On-going portfolio scoping with specialty leads

The division will link with the national Clinical Studies Groups, via the specialtesearch leads to horizon-scan studies in development, those in the pipeline and encourage local leadership of the research agenda

Regular monthly meetings have been established with IOM to review performance

The RDM and Assistant RDM will work with the Industry

Operations Manager and his team to establish processes for dissemination of expressions of interest across the division to ensure equity of opportunity for sites to participate in industry-led studies

The division will support the process of performing feasibility

Locally the network recruited at all sites that provide relevant children‟s services with the exception of Southport & Ormskirk Hospital and Wirral Community Trust.

The CRN NWC Children‟s specialty was the second highest recruiter out of the 15 LCRNs with 2301 participants (62.3 per 100,000 population).

The RDM and ARDM link monthly via tele-conferences with the Division 3



assessments, utilizing local intelligence and past performance data

The division will receive monthly RAG reports from the business intelligence function of the network. Led by the RDM, the management team for the division will benchmark local data against national data to highlight any discrepancies before approaching sites to develop remedial action plans

The RDM will attend monthly internal performance meetings

at network level to provide intelligence and feedback to the business team, the COO and the Clinical Director on any challenges in the portfolio and actions taken to resolve issues. This will be the final escalation point when all other avenues have been explored and failed

The RDM will have regular quarterly operational delivery

meetings with Trust R&D departments to review performance on a regular basis and identify with the relevant trust personnel, any issues that prevent recruitment to time and target

RDM will attend any relevant portfolio management meetings in partner Trusts

Review skill mix as people leave posts to ensure the right workforce is in place to manage a changing portfolio

Secure Taskforce resources to assist in managing areas of pressure within the delivery of the division 3 portfolio

Establish a children‟s research nurses forum meeting

Establish a research midwives forum meeting

coordinating centre team.

Distribution lists have been established for the dissemination of studies and information for commercial and non- commercial studies.

Portfolio scoping has been undertaken by the RDM and ARDM in collaboration with the SRGs and sites.

Regular monthly meetings with the local Industry coordinator have been established to review commercial performance of studies and sites. Systems are also in place to support site feasibility and setting of site targets.

The local BI team have established a suite of regular reports which support the performance management of the Division.

The RDM and



ARDM have attended regular performance and operational meetings within the LCRN and highlighted any challenges and also any potential areas of development or best practice.

The RDM and ARDM have had meetings with trusts R&D/delivery staff as required. Organisations, such as Alder Hey, have amended their internal performance management of studies to incorporate the RDM/ARDM being integrally involved.

Throughout the year whenever a member of staff has left a review of the current portfolio, workforce and the pipeline of new studies has taken place to ensure that the correct workforce skill mix has been in place.

It has been more difficult to secure



taskforce support to cover any specific paediatric research nurse activities as that skill set was not available. There has been success with securing data/admin taskforce support to reduce pressures in those areas of the Division 3 portfolio. Moving forward the resource within the specialty across trusts will be developed to encourage flexible working across sites.

There was existing children‟s research nurses‟ forum meeting coordinated by a research nurse based within Alder Hey hospital. That group has been expanded to include representation from the total network geography and is facilitated by the RDM/ARDM.

There is an established research midwives meeting which meets



face to face 2-3 times per year.

1.3 Critical Care Increase intensive care units‟ participation in NIHR CRN Portfolio studies

Proportion of intensive care units recruiting into studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

80% CRN NWC continues to work with local SRG lead to scope the portfolio to look for new studies that are suitable to run in NWC.

Quarterly meetings are arranged by SRG lead to raise awareness of critical care studies amongst the clinical community.

Nine out of 12 of CRN NWC Trusts capable of participating in Critical Care studies are doing so. Plans are in place to explore expansion of Critical Care Research across the remaining 3 sites.

The RDM/ARDM have met regularly (bimonthly) with the SRG lead to review the portfolio and any studies open to new sites have been circulated to organisations. It has been a challenge as the pipeline of studies to offer to sites has reduced. This is reflected in the number of sites involved actively recruiting to new studies for 15/16 as there had been no activity in 6 out of 12 CRN NWC trusts.


The local BI team



have established a suite of regular reports which support the performance management of the Division.

The RDM and ARDM have attended regular performance and operational meetings within the LCRN and highlighted any challenges and also any potential areas of development or best practice.

The SRG lead has been involved in developing new studies that could involve a critical care setting. In addition the SRG lead has been proactively scouting for studies that could open in NWC via connections and meetings, such as the national critical care forum.

The RDM/ARDM have visited all trusts, some with the SRG lead, across the network geography



including Blackpool and Morecambe Bay to engage with R&D departments, delivery staff and clinicians to encourage and champion critical care research. There are plans for further meetings and a meeting has been planned for 29

th June to bring

all of the interested clinicians and delivery staff for a face to face meeting.

1.4 Dermatology Increase NHS participation in Dermatology studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of sites recruiting into Dermatology studies

150 CRN NWC continues to work with partner organisations to encourage and support uptake of dermatology studies across the region.

CRN NWC regularly look for pipeline studies that have potential to run within CRN NWC and link with the network clinicians and GP‟s to discuss potential support and delivery.

We have engaged with our community trusts to explore future opportunities to get develop their interest in dermatology research.

CRN NWC supports the dermatology specialism by utilising the central taskforce of research nurses to support dermatology research and mentor new research nurses within trusts to deliver dermatology research.

The commercial portfolio is small but the network is keen to engage with industry and build. We continue to work with our industry team at CRN NWC to identify studies and place appropriately with achievable targets.

We support 16 dermatology studies 3 which are led by other sub specialities

12 out of a possible 14 trusts are involved in some capacity in undertaking dermatology research

There is no current SRG lead but the RDM/ARDM link in with the national specialty group to ensure that there is representation from the network at



national meetings.

The RDM/ARDM regularly reviews the portfolio and identifies any studies open to new sites then circulate to organisations.

1.5 Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)

Increase NHS participation in Ear, Nose and Throat studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Proportion of acute NHS Trusts recruiting into ENT studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

40% ENT remains a small portfolio for CRN NWC, a „developmental‟ SRG post has been created to support the expansion of the ENT portfolio.

Portfolio scoping project currently being undertaken by Continuous Improvement Lead for CRN NWC.

ENT remains a small portfolio for CRN NWC and indeed remains small nationally.

There is no SRG lead but the RDM/ARDM link in with the national specialty group to ensure that there is representation from the network at national meetings.

The RDM/ARDM regularly review the portfolio and any studies open to new sites have been circulated to organisations.

1.6 Gastroenterology

Increase NHS participation in Gastroenterology studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Proportion of acute NHS Trusts recruiting into Gastroenterology studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

90% Work with newly appointed SRG Lead to agree a strategy for improved delivery of Gastroenterology research across NWC. Baseline currently is 42% of potential Trusts recruit into Gastroenterology research within NWC.

Portfolio scoping project currently being undertaken by

The RDM/ARDM have met regularly (quarterly) with the SRG lead to review the portfolio and any studies



Continuous Improvement Lead for CRN NWC. open to new sites have been circulated to organisations.

The SRG lead was nominated for an NIHR PI recognition award.

The RDM/ARDM and SRG lead have between then been visiting trusts to encourage engaging with R&D departments, delivery staff and clinicians to encourage and champion gastroenterology research. There are two trusts who had not previously engaged in gastroenterology research who are now both actively supporting portfolio studies (this only leaves 3 trusts outstanding to become involved with gastroenterology studies).

1.7 Haematology

Increase NHS participation

in Haematology studies on

the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Proportion of eligible

NHS Trusts

undertaking

Haematology studies

50% Main Points as 1.2 Children (Above)

There are currently 2 sites recruiting to non-malignant haematology studies. We aim to increase this over time by 1 site per year where there are relevant studies available for the local

In 15/16 our local aim was to increase sites recruiting to non-malignant



in each LCRN population haematology studies by 1 site. We exceeded our locally set target to increase the number of sites recruiting from 2 up to 4.

The SRG lead has been successful in attracting and recruiting successfully to several commercial studies. To pump prime this activity support was provided by the network taskforce.

1.8 Injuries and

Emergencies

Increase NHS major

trauma centres‟

participation in NIHR CRN

Portfolio studies

Proportion of NHS

major trauma centres

recruiting into NIHR

CRN Portfolio studies

100% CRN NWC has a Liverpool collaborative of trauma centres (Aintree, Walton and the RLBUHT), a centre at Lancashire Teaching hospital and a children‟s one at Alder hey. There is an active injuries and emergencies portfolio running across each of those centres.

CRN NWC will continue to work with the newly appointed Injuries and Emergencies SRG Lead to develop the portfolio further to increase the variety and number of studies that recruit into these trauma centres linking in particular with regional emergency centres.

The SRG lead and/or senior division team will be setting up meeting with key staff in trusts to continue to develop research in the emergency departments across the region

All of NWC CRNs major trauma centres supported recruitment into NIHR CRN portfolio studies.

The RDM/ARDM have met regularly (monthly) with the SRG lead to review the portfolio and any studies open to new sites have been circulated to organisations. In addition the SRG lead has attended national specialty meetings to keep



abreast of any developments within the specialty.

The RDM/ARDM and SRG lead have between then been visiting trusts to encourage engaging with R&D departments, delivery staff and clinicians to encourage and champion injuries and emergencies research.

1.9 Injuries and

Emergencies

Increase NHS emergency

departments‟ participation

in NIHR CRN Portfolio

studies

Proportion of NHS

emergency

departments

recruiting into NIHR


30% The network generic taskforce will support recruitment as appropriate to complement staff based in trusts. There is a brain injury study opening in May 2015 that has trained up outreach staff to support the collection of out of hour‟s samples for the research study. This flexible approach reflects that injuries and emergencies do not always happen with „normal‟ working hours.

The SRG lead will attend national and local meetings to find out about potential pipeline studies. Along with the divisional senior team they will scope the existing portfolio and identify any possible studies that could open in the region. Regularly monthly meetings are arranged between the RDM and the SRG lead to discuss scoping and performance and identifying any areas that will need looking at. The local SRG lead is also actively collaborating on NIHR study bids.

Baseline scoping indicates that at least 7 (from a possible 12 Trusts) sites have recruited into NIHR portfolio studies during 2014/15. The plans that are in development will look to expand the activity. The network will continue to maintain established links with other specialities and build on local engagement through the regional and clinical networks now in operation as the injuries and emergencies specialty can often cross cut with

Main points as 1.8 Injuries and Emergencies (above).

Within CRN NWC 70% of trusts, with an emergency department, were involved with recruiting to NIHR portfolio studies. Locally this translates as only 4 trusts with an emergency department that were not involved in recruitment to studies.

The network taskforce has continued to be a valuable asset throughout 15/16



others. and provided flexible support to organisations. It has allowed staff at the site running the brain injury study to be able to support the out of hours working required without having to let support to studies run within usual hours reduce.

This specialty does cross cut with other specialties. Plans were made to link staff supporting this specialty with anaesthesia, critical care and surgery staff to jointly champion research and promote studies.

It was recognised by the SRG lead that the network needed to develop a stronger link with the region‟s ambulance service. The RDM/ARDM have been working with colleagues from CRN GM and the research lead from the local ambulance trust on



planning how to support portfolio studies.

1.10 Musculoskel

etal


in Musculoskeletal studies

on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of sites

recruiting into

Musculoskeletal

studies on the NIHR

CRN Portfolio

300 The RDM and ARDM have linked in with the regular regional research group and presented to increase engagement in NIHR research.

We provide monthly reports to our SRGs around performance and recruitment and discuss issues on a regular basis between SRG and site.

We are working towards developing a primary care “Champion‟ who has a special interest in MSK research assisting us to bridge boundaries between the secondary and primary care settings.

Regular monthly meetings have been established with IOM to review performance

NWC have over 100 studies lead or supported by the MSK speciality within our geography

NWC have recruited over 1000 patients into MSK studies

We have increased our sites to 42 that recruit into MSK studies these sites are both secondary and primary care.

The RDM/ARDM has had regular engagement with the SRG lead to review portfolio performance and discuss studies open to new sites ensuring they have been circulated to organisations

1.11 Ophthalmolo

gy


in Ophthalmology studies


Proportion of acute

NHS Trusts recruiting

into Ophthalmology

studies on the NIHR

CRN Portfolio

60% SRG Lead in Ophthalmology now appointed.

CRN NWC have already hosted an early meeting with newly appointed Theme Lead for University of Liverpool to establish network links between SRG Local Lead and National Theme Lead – Prof Beresford (1st meeting took place on 31st March 2015).

NWC will build on this engagement to strengthen the plan to increase delivery of Ophthalmology research across the

The RDM/ARDM have had regular engagement with the SRG lead to review the portfolio and any studies open to new sites have been circulated to



network through established specialty centres such as Eye Research Centre within St Pauls Eye Hospital and other Eye units across the geography. CRN NWC will facilitate the set-up of a regional Eye Research Group to improve industry engagement.

CRN NWC will also maximise opportunities in increase R2TT to key Eye programmes such as ISDR through the Generic Taskforce

organisations. There still remain 6 trusts that could participate in ophthalmology research and there are plans for engagement with them over the forthcoming year.

The network taskforce have been integral to the successful recruitment to study DRN849 (CPMS ID 16429) of the ISDR programme. They have recruited in excess of 3000 participants. This has contributed to CRN NWC Ophthalmology being the top recruiting specialty in the country.




1.12 Renal

Disorders

Increase the proportion of

NHS Trusts recruiting into

Renal Disorders studies on

the NIHR CRN Portfolio

which actively engage

renal and urological

patients in research

Proportion of NHS

Trusts recruiting into

Renal Disorders

studies on the NIHR

CRN Portfolio which

implement Patient

Carer & Public

Involvement and

Engagement (PCPIE)

strategies for Renal

Disorders research

25% In 2014/15, 66% of NWC partner trusts recruited to renal

disorder studies. CRN NWC has established a renal speciality

group made up of consultants and nurses from the active trusts.

A number of organisations have PCPIE strategies that

specifically target renal disorders research and so in 15/16 CRN

NWC plan to:

Create an action plan for the development and delivery

of PCPIE amongst all active trusts – engaging with trust

PCPIE leads, Kidney Patient‟s Association and possible

use of a toolkit developed by Kidney Research UK.

Roll out the action plan to the four main renal centres

this year.

Engage the inactive trusts (n=4) in urology studies in

order to widen participation. We will do this by finding

urology representatives from the identified trusts to join

the renal group; scan the portfolio for potential studies;

publicise the studies and encourage uptake, moving

resource to support the studies where necessary.

CRN NWC would aspire to achieve 25% of trusts undertaking renal research with renal PCPIE strategies

The action plan will include engagement with Kidney Patient‟s Association and use of toolkit developed by Kidney Research UK.

We have engaged with PCPIE leads in renal active trusts in order to „find out what works‟ in renal and urological PCPIE.

We have opened up our renal community of practice to include representatives from urology .

Our community of practice has adopted the KRUK toolkit.

We have used the community of practice as a method of sharing best practice in PCPIE and an instrument to cascade information regarding local and national PCPIE activity, including the KRUK toolkit.

An action plan has evolved throughout the year and that includes inter trust visits; identifying suitable renal patients to join the community of practice; making links with local patient organisations; identifying a renal Research Ambassador; organising two renal and urology patient



involvement events.

There is still work in progress to identifying renal patients to join our community of practice, supporting their membership and ensuring that their involvement is meaningful.

Where only a generic PCPI strategy exists our aim is to encourage trusts to develop a specific renal/urology action plan.

1.13 Stroke Increase the proportion of

NHS Trusts, providing

acute Stroke care,

recruiting to Stroke studies


Proportion of NHS

Trusts, providing

acute Stroke care,

recruiting participants

into Stroke studies on

the NIHR CRN

Portfolio

80% 100% of CRN NWC Trusts providing acute stroke care recruited

to portfolio studies in 2014-15. In the coming year the network

will seek to maintain this by:

1. Advising all appropriate organisations of the existence

and importance of this objective and monitoring

portfolio activity regularly.

2. Stroke clinicians will be alerted via the stroke SRG lead

and stroke nurses via the recently established stroke

nurses forum.

3. Expressions of interest for commercial and non-

commercial studies will be monitored closely. In the

event of an appropriate Trust not recruiting participants

to available studies barriers will be identified and

solutions created.

In addition the CRN NWC will build on momentum from submission of HSRC application to foster a regional clinical working group led by the Stroke SRG Lead (Dr Kausick

Target met – 100% of trusts providing acute stroke care have recruited participants in to stroke studies in year.

All appropriate organisations were advised of the existence and importance of this objective and portfolio activity was regularly monitored throughout the year. Stroke clinicians were alerted to any new studies via the stroke SRG lead and stroke delivery staff via the



Chatterjee) to improve Stroke & HSR performance across NWC. Preliminary Meeting held in March 2015. Formation of a draft Stroke strategy with involvement of key Research groups in development over 1

st ¼ of 2015/16. CRN

Obtain Executive level approval for CRN NWC Stroke Research Strategy - NWC have supported discussions with Trust CEO‟s to implement HSRC & Stroke strategy across the region. Draft plan to be presented to CRN NWC CEO Partnership Group in 1

st half

of 2015/16. Full details will be shared with NIHR CRN CC as work develops.

NWC to adopt program to be an „Early Adopter‟ for new NIHR funded stroke research studies through project led by RDM/ARDM in Division 2. Example of this initiative will be early roll out of „Headpost Trial‟ if funded through HTA programme by instigation of targeted rapid study set up and study co-ordination in partnership with MWC CI leading the programme.

stroke nurses forum (community of practice). Expressions of interest for commercial and non-commercial studies were closely monitored and where trusts responded negatively, feedback was requested.

1.14 Surgery


in Surgery studies on the

NIHR CRN Portfolio

Proportion of acute

NHS Trusts recruiting

patients into Surgery

studies on the NIHR

CRN Portfolio

85% Appointment of a Surgery SRG Lead concluded in late 2014.

Establish agreed strategy with the North West Surgical Trials Centre to support delivery of NIHR trials.

The RDM/ARDM have met regularly (bimonthly) with the SRG lead to review the portfolio and any studies open to new sites have been circulated to organisations. In addition the SRG lead has attended national specialty meetings to keep abreast of any developments within the specialty.

The SRG lead has links with the NW surgical trials centre.

The coordinating centre requested that LCRNs



appoint sub specialty leads for surgery to be in place by the end of 15/16. CRN NWC has 13/15 subspecialty leads in place and invitations will be sent out to fill the positions in trauma and orthopaedics early 16/17.

GROUP 2: PORTFOLIO BALANCE Delivering a balanced portfolio (across and within Specialties) that meets the needs of the local population and takes into account national Specialty priorities


2.1 Ageing Increase access for

patients to Ageing

studies on the NIHR

CRN Portfolio

Proportion of Ageing-led

studies which are

multicentre studies

50% CRN NWC continue to work with research enthusiasts in Ageing through existing networks to identify portfolio studies within the specialty and aim to improve engagement with trusts and primary care sites.

CRN NWC continue to ensure study teams are aware of the potential to utilise ENRICH in NWC when considering design of studies and feasibility.

NWC link with leads national leads for ENRICH and URICH to ensure we build upon opportunities of research with care homes.

There is no current SRG lead but the RDM/ARDM link in with the national specialty group to ensure that there is representation from the network at national meetings as required.

We are linking with our HEI‟s on a regular basis, currently we do not have any CI‟s for ageing led studies within NWC although we have CI in areas such as stroke, we therefore do not have the opportunity to influence this target.

2.2 Cancer Increase the number

of cancer patients

participating in studies,

to support the national

Number of LCRNs

recruiting at or above the

national target of 20%, or

with an increase compared

15 This is an aspirational target for CRN NWC; based on network configuration, service complexity and available portfolio. We aim to increase overall recruitment

In 2015/16 CRN NW Coast recruited 2277 into cancer studies. This is 11.5% of cancer incidence in NW Coast



target of 20% cancer

incidence

with 2014-15 from 10% in 2014/15 to 12% in 2015/16 and interventional recruitment to increase from 5.6% in 2014/15 to 6.5% in 2015/16

2.3 Cancer Increase the number of cancer patients participating in interventional trials, to support the national target of 7.5% cancer incidence

Number of LCRNs recruiting at or above the national target of 7.5%, or with an increase compared with 2014-15

15 This is an aspirational target for CRN NWC; based on network configuration, service complexity and available portfolio. We aim to increase recruitment to interventional trials from 5.6% in 2014/15 to 6.5% in 2015/16

In 2015/16 CRN NW Coast recruited 872 into interventional cancer studies. This is 4.4% of cancer incidence in NW Coast

2.4 Cancer Deliver a Portfolio of studies including challenging trials in support of national priorities

Number of LCRNs recruiting into studies in:

• Cancer Surgery

• Radiotherapy

• Rare cancers (cancers„ with incidence <6/100,000/year)

• Children's Cancer & Leukaemia and Teenagers & Young Adults

15 CRN NWC has studies in all of these categories. We aim to at least maintain current levels of activity and increase the number of sites recruiting to those studies.

We have a number of engaged Cancer surgeons in the region, including representation on the Clinical Leadership board for Division 1. We have recently led on a number of Cancer Surgery trials including Panasta and there are more in the pipeline to commence in 16/17. We recruited 289 participants into Cancer studies involving surgery (7.8 per 100,000 served).

There are 2 Radiotherapy centres within NWC providing whole region coverage. Last year we recruited 268 (7.3 per 100,000) participants into RT trials.

We recruited 894 participants into rare and very rare cancers. This is 24 per 100,000 combined. Just looking at rare cancers, this was 572 (15 per 100,000)

We have a PTC at Alder Hey Children‟s Hospital who are consistently one of the top performing teams in Paediatric Oncology. All studies relevant to the population are opened and the



team is fully supported by the CRN. We recruited 256 children into cancer studies (5.9 per 100,000) in 15/16. The CRN routinely stores data about TYA participants and we recruited 10 participants in 2015/16.

2.5 Cardiovascular Disease

Increase access for patients to Cardiovascular Disease studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of LCRNs recruiting into multi-centre studies in at least five of the six Cardiovascular Disease subSpecialties

15 During 2015/16 CRN NWC strategy for the region will:

1. Analyse the previous years‟

portfolio to map current and

previous activity against sub

speciality to identify any areas for

improvement. The results of the

mapping exercise will encourage

the prioritisation of network

resource to meet shortfalls in the

coverage of each speciality and the

promotion of clinical research

amongst clinicians from the sub-

specialities that we may find we are

not covering.

2. Where necessary the CRN NWC

will scan the portfolio for studies

that meet any shortfall in the

networks activity in this specialty.

3. CRN NWC will continue to aim to

ensure that partner sites / Trusts

have the opportunity to participate

in all cardiovascular research that is

relevant to their patient population

4. The network will continue to

strengthen links within primary care

– utilising PIC sites and promoting

cardiovascular research.

5. The network will encourage cross

Target met. Our partner organisations have recruited participants into all of the six sub specialities.

CRN NWC continued to aim to ensure that all possible sites had the opportunity to participate in all cardiovascular research that was relevant to their patient population

The portfolio was scoped regularly in an attempt to ensure balance between the six sub specialities.

The network continued to strengthen links within primary care – utilising PIC sites and promoting cardiovascular research.

The network encouraged cross network activity between partner organisations – particularly the two main cardio thoracic centres, but also nationally with colleagues in London via the network‟s clinical experts and SRG leads.

SRG leads worked hard during the year to support the



network activity between partner

organisations – particularly the two

main cardio thoracic centres, but

also nationally with colleagues in

London via the networks clinical

experts and SRG leads.

development of new PIs and introduce commercial research to previously commercially inactive trusts.

2.6 Diabetes Increase support for areas of Diabetes research where traditionally it has been difficult to recruit

Number of LCRNs recruiting into diabetic foot studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

15 CRN NWC will be working closer with community services and primary care organisations to ensure that any foot studies are placed appropriately for optimising recruitment.

Within secondary setting we will ensure that appropriate referrals pathways are in place between consultants and podiatrists

CRN NWC will attempt to identify a leading podiatrist who may be willing to take on a PI/Research Champion role in Diabetic Foot research. CRN NWC will provide a baseline report from the NIHR portfolio to support this initiative.

CRN NWC will continue the strategy of flexible working of the diabetes research nurses funded by the CRN across primary & secondary care sectors to improve NIHR recruitment.

Target met

CRN NWC have worked closely with community services and primary care organisations to ensure that any foot studies were placed appropriately for optimising recruitment.

A diabetes community of practice has been established and through this an action plan has been formed to twin secondary care consultants with community podiatrists in order to increase and better the number of participants recruited into diabetic foot studies.

The network‟s SRG Lead for diabetes has worked hard to identify and support new PIs in secondary care and to establish better relations within primary care settings.

2.7 Diabetes Increase access for people with Type 1 Diabetes to participate in Diabetes studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio early after

Number of LCRNs approaching people with Type 1 Diabetes to participate in interventional Diabetes studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio within

15 CRN NWC will be working closer with community services and primary care organisations to ensure that any foot studies are placed appropriately for optimising recruitment.

Target met

Our plan was to increase activity into ADDRESS II enabling suitable studies to make use of this registry for recruitment



their diagnosis six months of their diagnosis

Within secondary setting we will ensure that appropriate referrals pathways are in place between consultants and podiatrists

CRN NWC will attempt to identify a leading podiatrist who may be willing to take on a PI/Research Champion role in Diabetic Foot research. CRN NWC will provide a baseline report from the NIHR portfolio to support this initiative.

CRN NWC will continue the strategy of flexible working of the diabetes research nurses funded by the CRN across primary & secondary care sectors to improve NIHR recruitment.

purposes. The increased activity was achieved through promoting use at the Diabetes Community of Practice meetings; including an article in the network‟s ebulletin and reminding delivery staff and PIs of the usefulness of this registry as a recruitment tool. CRN NWC closely monitored the commercial and non-commercial portfolio enabling us to target sites that have been successful in ADDRESS II to express interest in suitable Type I Diabetes studies.

2.8 Gastroenterology Increase the proportion of patients recruited into Gastroenterology studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of participants (per

100,000 population),

recruited into

Gastroenterology studies


15 CRN NWC will work with our appointed SRG lead to look at ways to increase access for patients to take part in clinical research in this specialty.

The network will also develop links with the Nurse Specialist service in this sector to develop research capabilities & knowledge with this group through a regional awareness-raising program.

Main points as 1.6 Gastroenterology (above).

CRN NWC has exceeded the national target set for the number of patients per 100, 000 to have been recruited into gastroenterology studies on the NIHR portfolio (15 per 100K).

Recruitment for 15/16 had increased by 20% compared to the previous year of 14/15.

2.9 Genetics Increase access for patients with rare diseases to participate in Genetics studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of LCRNs recruiting into multi-centre Genetics studies through the NIHR UK Rare Genetic Disease Research Consortium

14 Main Points as 1.2 Children (Above)

In addition, Genetics lead identified and appointed. All studies as part of Musketeers Memorandum considered and opened if appropriate In 2014/15 CRN: NW Coast recruited into 7 multi-centre studies

Main Points as 1.2 Children (Above)

CRN NWC has opened all appropriate studies as part of the Musketeers Memorandum.

CRN NWC invested in the genetics specialty by funding a genetics counsellor to support recruitment to NIHR portfolio studies. The novel use of funding is under review to measure any significant impacts to the specialty.



2.10 Haematology Increase access for patients to Haematology studies undertaken by each LCRN

Number of LCRNs recruiting into studies in at least three of the four following Haematology subSpecialties: Haemoglobinopathy, Thrombosis, Bleeding disorders, Transfusion

15 Main Points as 1.2 Children (Above)

In addition, there are currently 8 studies open that will recruit into 2015/16 in the following sub specialty areas: Haemoglobinopathy = 1 Thrombosis = 1 Bleeding disorders = 6

Main points as 1.7 Haematology (above)

CRN NWC has successfully recruited patients into all four of the haematology subspecialty areas: haemoglobinopathy, thrombosis, bleeding disorders, transfusion.

2.11 Hepatology Increase access for patients to Hepatology studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of LCRNs recruiting into a multi-centre study in all of the major Hepatology disease areas (including Viral Hepatitis, NAFLD, Autoimmune Liver Disease, Metabolic Liver Disease)

15 CRN NWC will work with the newly appointed SRG lead to establish a Hepatology group to look at ways to build this portfolio.

The RDM/ARDM have met with the SRG lead to review the portfolio and any studies open to new sites have been circulated to organisations.

The SRG lead links in with the national specialty group.

CRNNWC has recruited into multi centre studies in all of the major hepatology disease areas except for NAFLD

2.12 Infectious Diseases and Microbiology

Increase access for patients to Infectious Diseases and Microbiology studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of LCRNs recruiting into antimicrobial resistance research studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

15 CRN NWC will work with our newly appointed SRG lead to identify portfolio studies that can be delivered in NWC. CRN NWC will continue to scope the portfolio to identify suitable antimicrobial resistance studies to run within the region.

Recruitment into infectious diseases and microbiology (included as the main and supporting specialty) has increased in 15/16 to 1225, compared to the previous year of 1106.


The SRG lead links in with the national specialty group.

CRNNWC has recruited into 6 antimicrobial research studies.

2.13 Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

Increase access for patients with rare diseases to participate

Number of LCRNs recruiting into established studies of rare diseases in

15 1. Continue with the strategy of

supporting access for patients

Target met CRN NWC have established and



in Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

with rare diseases by providing

adequate resource for the

studies that are appropriate for

them.

2. CRN NWC will work with the

networks Communications

Officer, PCPIE lead and

metabolic and endocrine

clinicians and workforce to

establish good communications

about research to this patient

group.

work closely with SRG leads & the national SRG Lead based in CRN NWC to optimise opportunities for new rare disease studies to enter our portfolio. We continued with the strategy of supporting access for patients with rare diseases by providing adequate resource for the studies that are appropriate for them. CRN NWC worked with the networks Communications Officer, PCPIE lead and metabolic and endocrine clinicians and workforce to establish good communications about research to this patient group. CRN NWC scanned the portfolio and worked closely with SRG leads & the national SRG Lead based in CRN NWC to optimise opportunities for new rare disease studies to enter our portfolio.

2.14 Oral and Dental Increase access for patients and practitioners to Oral and Dental studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

A: Proportion of Oral and Dental studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio recruiting from a primary care setting

20% CRN NWC continues to work with our SRG lead identifying portfolio studies that can be delivered in NWC.

We provide monthly reports to our SRGs around performance and recruitment and discuss issues on a regular basis between SRG and site.

CRN NWC will continue to scope the portfolio to identify suitable oral and dental that have the potential to run within the region and link with study teams in a timely manner to ensure

Overall there are 29 studies on the commercial/non-commercial portfolio.

In 15/16 we recruited over 400pts to oral and dental studies.

In 15/16 4 oral and dental studies have recruited in NWC and one of these is recruiting successfully into PC sites within Sefton CCG



we flagship our successes.

We support one of these studies with our central taskforce to aid successful recruitment. This will continue for the lifespan of the study.

B: Proportion of participants recruited from a primary care setting into Oral and Dental studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

30% CRN NWC continues to scope the portfolio for suitable studies to support in the primary care setting.

The networks SRG lead acts as the national link for industry and a plan has been developed with the Business development team to identify potential industry studies through the NIHR CRN.

NWC we continue attempt to attract companies. Our non- commercial performance will hopefully demonstrate our commitment to this speciality in 16/17.



2.15 Primary Care Increase access for patients to NIHR CRN Portfolio studies in a primary care setting

Proportion of NIHR CRN

Portfolio studies delivered

in primary care settings

15% We continue to work with our SRGs closely and meet with them bi monthly.

We continue to work with new and emerging federations.

We provide monthly reports to our SRGs around performance and recruitment and discuss issues on a regular basis between SRG‟s, site and ARDM/RDM.

In the future we will develop an Primary care working group, improving representation from all our 20 CCGs

We on a very regular basis communicate with our practices either on a face to face or via teleconference to support them with studies and discuss any operational issue that they might be experiencing.

We have streamlined communications and have a one point of contact for study teams, HEI‟s and practices ensuring response and support in a timely manner

We continue to increase engagement by attending such events as protected learning time events run by our CCG‟s

NW Primary Care Pharmacy Group (NWC & Manchester) meet bimonthly and continue to work collaboratively ensuring potential new pharmacy studies are supported in NWC region

We continue to work closely with our other RDM and study support colleagues to ensure when they are working with clinicians around bids primary care is considered for its potential to support successful recruitment.

NWC recruited 2718 patients into primary care led studies.

NWC recruited over 4000 into a primary care setting overall in 15/16.

PC as a speciality was our second highest recruiting specialty in NWC.

NWC continue to increase in engagement in primary care research linking in with new and emerging federations.



2.16 Renal Disorders Increase NHS participation in Renal Disorders studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

A. Proportion of acute NHS Trusts recruiting into multi-centre Renal Disorders randomised controlled trials on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

30% CRN NWC will continue to work with the cross network renal group to encourage further take up of studies and sharing of resource and knowledge. The group will draw up an action plan for widening participation in renal and urology studies and we will target the acute Trusts that currently do not recruit to either.

Target met 63%. CRN NWC continued to work with the cross network renal group (Community of practice) to encourage further take up of studies and sharing of resource and knowledge. The group has been widened to include a urology lead who has been instrumental in forging links with acute trusts, assisting with identifying new PIs and in some cases performance management.

B. Proportion of Renal Units recruiting into multi-centre Renal Disorders randomised controlled trials on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

80% CRN NWC will continue to support existing renal units to recruit to available trials and encourage uptake of studies within renal units where there is capacity.

Target met 100%

CRN NWC continued to support existing renal units to recruit to available trials and encouraged uptake of studies within renal units where there was capacity.

Where there was little capacity from existing delivery staff the network‟s taskforce has aided delivery in the main renal centres.



2.17 Respiratory Disorders Increase access for patients to Respiratory Disorders studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

Number of LCRNs recruiting participants into NIHR CRN Portfolio studies in the Respiratory Disorders main disease areas of Asthma, COPD or Bronchiectasis

15 CRN NWC will work collaboratively with the 2 SRG leads to deliver a successful and diverse portfolio in respiratory research.

CRN NWC will work with the SRG Leads to identify potential and pipeline studies in these disease areas. The network will then work with clinicians at sites to open suitable studies across both primary and secondary care settings.

The RDM/ARDM have met regularly (bimonthly) with the SRG leads to review the portfolio and any studies open to new sites have been circulated to organisations. In addition the SRG lead has attended national specialty meetings to keep abreast of any developments within the specialty.

The RDM/ARDM and one SRG lead have between then been visiting trusts to encourage engaging with R&D departments, delivery staff and clinicians to encourage and champion respiratory research.

The RDM/ARDM have met with the research teams based at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). There are studies funded by the Gates Foundation and the MRC that are/will be open that are portfolio studies and support provided by the network taskforce.

The communications manager has met with LSTM and respiratory research nurses from our partner organisations to provide advice on advertising research studies and engaging with patients and the public.

There is an established community of practice between the respiratory research nurses that has met throughout the year.

The RDM/ARDM have met with the NW representative from the British Lung Foundation (BLF). There are plans to jointly promote portfolio studies.



2.18 Stroke Increase the proportion of patients recruited into Stroke randomised controlled trials on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

A. Number of patients (per 100,000 population) recruited into Stroke randomised controlled trials on the NIHR CRN Portfolio

8 With a population of 3.8m CRN NWC

anticipates that it would be possible to

achieve this target on existing and

expected studies. In order to maximise

the potential and to exceed target if

possible the network will:-

1. Continue to work with partner

organisations, primary care,

community services and

clinicians/research nurses to

optimise recruitment into stroke

trials.

2. Support a stroke nurses

community of practice

established to share good

practice and portfolio knowledge

3. Develop an action plan to

address this target that includes

work with the Stroke

Association, CRN

Communication Lead and

PCPIE lead. Potential areas for

improvement have already been

mapped , including working

closely with stroke specialist

nurses and improving

performance amongst individual

stroke clinicians

Target met. 10 per 100,000 Continued to work with partner organisations, primary care, community services and clinicians/research nurses to optimise recruitment into stroke trials. Supported a stroke nurses community of practice established to share good practice and portfolio knowledge.



2.19 Stroke Increase activity in NIHR CRN Hyperacute Stroke Research Centres (HSRCs)

A: Number of patients recruited to Hyperacute Stroke studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio in each NIHR CRN HSRC

50 There is no Hyperacute Stroke Research Centre in this region. However, CRN NWC will continue, to undertake these studies where appropriate and work with our partner organisations to ensure that resource is adequate to contribute to this target.

CRN NWC Clinical Lead and stroke lead will be engaging with CEOs to encourage and support future HSRC application(s).

N/A

NWC plan was to support a Trust or group of Trusts to submit a further bid for a HSRC. This was achieved and a collaborative bid was submitted. This was not supported in year.

B: Number of patients recruited to complex Hyperacute Stroke studies on the NIHR CRN Portfolio in each NIHR CRN HSRC

15 The network does not have a HSRC in the region. Where possible however CRN NWC will support activity that will contribute to this target outside of an established HSRC.

N/A. However, the NWC SRG lead who led the HSRC bid now receives a list of Hyperacute Stroke studies and plans encourage centres to participate where possible.

GROUP 3: RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE Developing research infrastructure (including staff capacity) in the NHS to support clinical research


3.1 Cancer Establish local clinical

leadership and a

defined portfolio

across the cancer

subSpecialty areas

Number of LCRNs with, for

each of the 13 Cancer

subSpecialties, a named

lead and a defined portfolio

of available studies

15 Led by the CRN NWC Divisional Lead for Cancer network collaboration between existing Cancer Clinicians across the region has been established in 2014/15.

A number of Associate Clinical Leads for Cancer have been appointed following regional advert supported by the CRN core team. Leads are provided with 0.5 PA to support delivery of their work streams. This group will continue to support a strategy to enhance and effectively deliver NIHR research across all Cancer sub specialties.

CRN NWC have named leads for all cancer sub-specialites



3.2 Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management

Establish links with the

Royal College of

Anaesthetists‟

Specialist Registrar

networks to support

recruitment into NIHR


Number of LCRNs where

Specialist Registrar

networks are recruiting into

NIHR CRN Portfolio

studies

4 Locally a newly appointed SRG Lead is now in place CRN NWC will build links with this lead as the network progresses during 2015/16 to engage with Royal College Anaesthetics specialist registrars at key opportunities and support them as required with potential increased engagement in research.

Base line activity during the 1st half of 2015/16 will be to identify and map existing and potential new CI‟s and PI‟s within CRN NWC and to engage with industry to develop a commercial portfolio.

In 15/16 an embryonic RAFT network called „Magiq‟ (Merseyside Anaesthetic Group for Improving Quality) was formed. The group is led by registrar Dr Matthew Bridge. The group is a network of colleagues from anaesthetic departments who are working toward becoming involved in a national trial.


The SRG lead has been scoping activity and interest from colleagues and collecting a group of enthusiasts in clinical research.



3.3 Dementias and Neurodegeneration (DeNDRoN)

Optimise the use of

“Join Dementia

Research” to support

recruitment into

DeNDRoN studies on

the NIHR CRN

Portfolio

The proportion of people

identified for

DeNDRoN studies on the

NIHR CRN Portfolio via

“Join Dementia Research”

3% CRN NWC are actively involved in the promotion of JDR and are working with delivery staff, dementia leads, communications teams and PCPIE teams within partner organisations. CRN NWC will work closely with our identified Dementia Champions, Alzheimer‟s Society, Alzheimer‟s UK and other third sector organisations – targeting primary care and public settings for promotional activity. CRN NWC has led on a number of local radio initiatives to raise awareness of dementia research in the region. However, it is unlikely that the pool would grow sufficiently to yield 3% of the total DeNDRoN portfolio.

Target met.

Throughout 2015/16 the CRN NWC were actively involved in the promotion of JDR and worked with delivery staff, dementia leads, communications teams and PCPIE teams within partner organisations. CRN NWC also worked closely with our identified Dementia Champions, Alzheimer‟s Society, Alzheimer‟s UK and other third sector organisations – targeting primary care and public settings for promotional activity. CRN NWC has led on a number of local radio initiatives to raise awareness of dementia research in the region and has applied consistent effort to increasing numbers of participants on JDR.

CRN NWC also provided continuous support and training for the administration of JDR, both within the network and at partner sites.



3.4 Dementias and

Neurodegeneration

(DeNDRoN)

Increase the global

and psychometric

rating skills and

capacity of LCRN staff

supporting DeNDRoN

studies on the NIHR

CRN Portfolio

Proportion of LCRN staff

who support DeNDRoN

studies who have

successfully completed

Rater Programme Induction

and joined the national

Rater database

40% CRN NWC has identified a number of core and funded staff to act as local raters. CRN NWC Research Delivery Manager and Workforce Development Lead have plans in place to increase the skillset of our staff by encouraging further entrants on to the DeNDRoN national rater programme and the roll out of any training that may follow the lead practitioner induction.

Target met.

CRN NWC has identified a number of core and funded staff to act as local raters. CRN NWC Research Delivery Manager and Workforce Development Lead have plans in place to increase the skillset of network staff by encouraging further entrants on to the DeNDRoN national rater programme and the roll out of any training that may follow the lead practitioner induction.

3.5 Infectious Diseases

and Microbiology

Maintain research

preparedness to

respond to an urgent

public health outbreak

Number of LCRNs

maintaining a named

Public Health Champion

15 CRN NWC has an Urgent Public Health Research Plan in place that was developed with the host trust and our SRG lead for Infectious Diseases.

The network will continue to communicate with specialty leads to ensure that the local strategy for responding to urgent public health outbreak is current, up to date and all concerned are clear as to involvement and responsibilities.

Plan in place and continues to be supported in 2015/16.



3.6 Mental Health Maintain and enhance

the skills and capacity

of staff supporting

Mental Health studies

on the NIHR CRN

Portfolio in frequently

used Mental Health

study eligibility

assessments (e.g.

PANSS, MADRS,

MCCB)

Number of staff trained in

frequently used Mental

Health study eligibility

assessments

139

1. CRN NWC will undertake a training

needs assessment amongst the

workforce for the most commonly

used mental health assessments.

2. CRN NWC will support a community

of practice for PANSS raters, using

the recently qualified PFLs to

organise and operate the

programme.

3. The networks mental health SRGs

will organise PANSS training days for

new staff ; for those requiring training

in other commonly used mental

health assessments; and for those in

need of refreshers

4. Where possible CRN NWC will share

training days with colleagues in

neighbouring networks.

5. CRN NWC We will encourage trust

managers to identify clinical

opportunities for delivery staff to

increase their confidence and ability

in the most frequently used mental

health assessments.

6. CRN NWC will train the research

delivery taskforce to increase their

capacity for undertaking mental

health studies

7. CRN NWC will support suitable staff

to attend any courses organised

nationally or locally and to share that

knowledge appropriately with delivery

staff. Alongside the networks

Workforce Development Lead CRN

NWC will provide suitable training

and mentoring opportunities for all

delivery staff where skills can be

shared and reliability maintained.

Target met. CRN NWC has continued to monitor the skillset of the mental health delivery staff with a view to providing training opportunities. Unfortunately two of the three PFLs have left the network during the year 2015/16.



3.7 Neurological Disorders

Increase clinical

leadership capacity

and engagement in

each of the main

disease areas in the

Neurological Disorders

(MS; Epilepsy and

Infections) Specialty

Number of LCRNs with

named local clinical leads

in MS; Epilepsy and

Infections

15 CRN NWC has appointed a Neurology SRG Lead and has plans in place to identify suitable clinical leads in MS, Epilepsy and infections.

Target met.

The CRN NWC Neurology SRG Lead has identified suitable clinical leads in MS, Epilepsy and infections.

3.8 Reproductive Health and Childbirth

Increase engagement

and awareness of the

Reproductive Health

and Childbirth

Specialty

Number of LCRNs with a

named midwifery lead to

increase engagement and

awareness

15 CRN NWC appointed a Midwife Champion in the region late 2014. A local work programme has now been developed and established links are in place with the national midwifery champions group

A community of practice has been established for the research delivery staff that provide support for this specialty.

The single research midwife champion was replaced part way through 15/16 with a small group of research active midwives. By having a group to represent the total network geography it was felt that this was more representative of our region and empowering for those involved with the group.


Appendix 2: Report against the network’s Patient, Public Involvement and Engagement Plan 2015/16 Please complete the table below with (a) details from your Annual Plan for 2015/16, adding details as needed for any additional actions undertaken; (b) In the right hand column, please comment on your network‟s performance against your plan for 2015/16. Please highlight approaches which have proven particularly successful and challenges encountered, and provide reasons or explanations for these where possible.

Planned actions in 2015-161

Milestones and outcomes once

actions complete Timescale Lead Performance against Plan

Identification of a senior leader to

take responsibility for Patient, Public

Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)

within the LCRN. approach to PPIE

across the NIHR CRN

Visible senior leadership to inform

and advise on PPIE activities and

development

April 2015 Maria

Boswell

PPIE Lead identified

PPI-E Lead working closely with Communications Manager to

advise on and promote PPI-E activities

Regular reports provided by PPI-E Lead to Performance

meetings , Partnership group , Operational groups on a regular

basis on national and local initiatives

Attended and support PPIE engagement and awareness days

Supported Trusts to raise research awareness in patients and

public

Promoting research opportunities, in

line with the NHS Constitution for

England, including informing patients

about research that is being

conducted within each LCRN, and

actively involving and engaging

patients, carers and the public in

research.

Increased reputation for the network

as a best practice provider of high

quality clinical research support to

the NHS.

Increase in demand for and

participation in research studies

Latest national and regional PPIE

is routinely shared with CRN staff

and lay representatives via

bulletins/websites/CRN NWC

media.

Maria

Boswell

PPIE lead has continued to work collaboratively with CRN

NWC Communications Manager to promote and advertise

PPIE activities via social media; e-bulletins, campaigns.

PPIE reports are a standing item at all Senior

Team/network/Host meetings

Social media strategies in place for keeping patients/carers

and public informed of opportunities for involvement and

participation

Established a PPIE local working group, responsible to

quarterly R & D managers Forum, with clear Terms of

reference, action plans and outputs. Group to be expanded in

1 Please insert any additional actions undertaken, as required


PPIE will be a key component of CRN NWC

Research Ambassadors established to raise profile of research locally in our partner organisations and to champion research awareness

PPIE will be a key component of CRN NWC

Research Ambassadors established to raise profile of research

2016/17.

PPIE training made available via pilot programme Building

Research Partnerships programme (joint pilot collaborative

with CRN GM). 4 facilitators identified from CRN NWC to

deliver the materials in 2016/17. Facilitator training provided to

ensure quality assurance of programme delivery.

BRP video clip developed now providing an additional

resource in support of the BRP national programme

Research Ambassador project promoted across the network

and RA‟s embedded into at least 3 organisations. Close links

being established with PRAI team to establish numbers of RA‟s

registered on PRAI site in CRN NWC.

One Research Ambassador has nationally supported the

development of the on-line MOOC programme

Patient story campaign promoted across the network and

Patient stories have appeared in local newsletter

Network will actively engage and

involve patients, carers and the wider

public in all aspects of LCRN activity

to improve the quality and delivery of

NIHR CRN Portfolio research

Collaboration : Our PPIE effort

should be aligned with and part of a

wider effort supported by

local/national organisations for PPIE

and the NIHR infrastructure

Maria

Boswell

Identified existing PPIE groups within the network and key

contacts established and invited onto PPIE steering group.

Region. Specifics contacts include CLARHC and RDS.

Produced role description for lay membership of CRN NWC

Partnership Group.

Established PPIE links in majority of partner organisations as a

point of contact. Primary Care remains a challenge due to

number of CCG groups. Primary Care Research Facilitator

within CRN core team identified as PPIE link to primary care.

Lay member active representation at CRN NWC Partnership

Group and local PPIE working group meetings with clear

Terms of Reference and role outlines. Lay rep X 1 identified as

a BRP facilitator

Patient / carer case studies and stories are gathered, collated


and analysed on an on-going basis and then utilised within

communication activities wherever possible. Gathering some

stories has been challenging

Staff/Patients/carers l have access to core PPIE training via

the Building Research Partnerships programme, which is to be

rolled out across the network in 2016/17.

Provided direct support to partner organisations in promotion of

International Clinical Trials Day and contributed to local

organisational PPIE awards ceremony on ICTday..

Direct support and guidance provided in the development of

Renal PPIE patient group.

Partner organisations and staff have been financially supported

in respect of PPIE campaigns and promotions such as Steven-

Johnson syndrome activities and attendance at PPIE events

both nationally & locally.

The Network supported the development of a PPIE animation

film (produced by research participants/volunteers) in one

Partner Organisation, focussing on the transition of young

adults from Paediatric to adult services in a neurological

setting.

Gathering feedback via an annual

survey from participants in NIHR

CRN Portfolio studies as well as

patients, carers and the public,

directly involved in supporting

delivery of NIHR CRN Portfolio

studies

Feedback from patients/carers/lay

representatives continuously

informs the network to improve

systems/process/training

Maria

Boswell

NIHR survey was optional in 2015/16 and CRN NWC did not

take part in the pilot. To be reviewed for 2016/17


Appendix 3: Report against the network’s Continuous Improvement Plan 2015/16

Please complete the table below with (a) details from your Annual Plan for 2015/16, adding details as needed for any additional actions undertaken; (b) In the right hand column, please comment on your network‟s performance against your plan for 2015/16. Please highlight approaches which have proven particularly successful and challenges encountered, and provide reasons or explanations for these where possible.

Planned actions in 2015-162 Milestones and outcomes

once actions complete

Timescale Lead Performance against Plan

Identification of a senior

Leader to take responsibility

for continuous improvement

Visible senior leadership to

inform and advise on CI

activities and development

April 2015 Maria

Boswell

Workforce Development Lead identified as CI Lead

Embed CI in to all network

activity rather than a single

work stream to promote a CI

culture

All CRN NWC staff know

how to access expertise and

support for CI projects.

CI is an individual and

organisational competence

Increase in number of NWC

projects registered on the

CRN CI In Action site.

CRN NWC participation in

national CI projects.

Encouraging a culture for CI

through awards and

recognition of achievements

and lessons learned.

Maria

Boswell

Continuous Improvement is seen as everyone‟s business and is embedded into all CRN NWC activity and work streams 2 CI projects identified and shortlisted for NHS awards in 2015/16 CRN NWC local Awards ceremony supported innovation and quality improvement initiatives across the network Patient Public Involvement & Engagement : a video has been developed by CRN NWC Communications Manager Based on the Building Research Partnerships pilot training programme event between CRN NWC and CRN GM. Video is now providing an additional resource in support of the BRP national programme and is available on the BRP website

2 Please add any additional actions as required


Appendix 4: Report against the network’s Workforce Plan 2015/16 Please complete the table below with (a) details from your Annual Plan for 2015/16, adding details as needed for any additional actions undertaken; (b) In the right hand column, please comment on your network‟s performance against your plan for 2015/16. Please highlight approaches which have proven particularly successful and challenges encountered, and provide reasons or explanations for these where possible.

Planned actions in 2015-163 Milestones and outcomes

once actions complete

Timescale Lead Performance against Plan

Promotion of a research

culture to develop capacity &

capability of the workforce .

Increase numbers of Principal

Investigators and provide

support and development for

PI oversight of studies.

Blended learning approach

is in place. Public and staff

have an opportunity to

participate in research

training.

Increase in number of

Principal Investigators and

PI community is

representative of all

professional groups

May 2015

April 2015

Maria

Boswell

Workforce is a standing item on all CRN NWC core

activity/meetings/events.

Well developed and highly skilled cohort of 33 facilitators

in place as a Community of Practice.

Regular reports provided via Host Executive ; Clinical

Leads Forum and R & D Managers Forum.

Delivered on identified priority areas of Regulation and Safeguarding, and delivering Network Business

PI community has continued to attract varied experienced

delivery staff to provide local leadership and accountability

for portfolio studies.

PI awareness materials released to organisations, with

support available via network training team and GCP

facilitators.

GCP facilitator group is in place, and 2 meetings have

taken place

Northern Workforce group established with other local

CRN networks. Key objectives identified for sharing of

practice and resources

WFD group consists of GCP facilitators in 2015. To be

3 Please add any additional actions as required


Promotion of on line learning

via MOOC

Staff engagement to promote a

research active workforce

Multi-disciplinary taskforce

continues to provide

partner organisations with

complimentary research

support and improve

network delivery and

performance targets

extended to wider R & D community to develop a WFD

stakeholder group in 2016-17.

On line training via MOOC widely promoted thus

increasing research awareness to professional staff and

members of the public

We have used several communications mechanisms to

ensure we are sharing workforce information and

gathering new ideas with our staff, including COO

attendance at Workforce road shows and via monthly e-

newsletter, where staff receive updates from the

leadership team.

CRN NWC complimentary taskforce is in place working

across many varied research settings and specialities.

SOP to support agile working and placements developed

in collaboration with key stakeholders and senior network

team. Team able to collate real time recruitment data on

all their portfolio activity, providing accurate feedback on

commercial activity in support of life sciences and

allocation of commercial funding.

Google hub and mobile devices (ipads) deployed to

taskforce to support placement and recruitment activity.

Training provided in the use of ipads

LCRN staff to have training &

development commensurate to

their role. Training programme

targeting national & local

requirements available to staff

supporting the national W/F

strategy.

A visible accessible picture

of career pathways will be

available across the

network for delivery staff

commencing on Induction

to further be developed in

2016/17.

Maria

Boswell

Development and delivery of a tailored training programme which has been successfully rolled out to the research community. Train the Trainer model in place utilising existing skills of network supported staff

All network facilitators have undertaken NIHR Facilitator


Partner Organisations to have

access to GCP facilitator

Deliver training to meet

national and local needs

inclusive of speciality specific

training

Clinical delivery staff have

an opportunity to contribute

to the development and

delivery of research

education and training .

Continue to support

practice development of

raters using a national

approach, increasing

recruitment into portfolio

studies and JDR. .

training ensuring a consistent approach to training delivery

5 essentials Skills facilitators in place identified from within

the delivery workforce.

31 GCP facilitators in place to promote role of NIHR

Learning ambassadors. 4 new facilitators have just

attended FDP training

684 participants have attended training via the delivery of

47 training programmes across the network (GCP Intro &

Refresher, and the Research Practitioner Essential Skills

face to face programmes). Programme evaluations are

excellent with waiting lists for the Research Practitioner

Essential Skills programme.

Not all partner organisations have a GCP facilitator in part

due to internal staff capacity to extend their role. All PO‟s

have access via a cluster approach , with groups of

organisations working together to deliver training

Speciality specific training ie Let‟s Talk Trials, Cancer

Research Introductory Course & Rater Training not

delivered due to lack of facilitators and availability of

materials.

Practice Facilitator Lead in Mental Health setting identified

and will lead on development of rater educational

programme in 2016/17

In collaboration with CRN NWC Communications, over

200 staff attended 3 Workforce Engagement road shows

at various locations across the network. COO and Senior

members of network team have been in attendance at all

events. Excellent evaluations of all road shows with an

opportunity for staff to network; hear from key speakers

and to present on key topics around research delivery.


Further road shows planned for 2016/17

Develop a collaborative

workforce plan for LCRN staff

that will enable a responsive

and flexible workforce to

deliver NIHR CRN Portfolio

studies.

Training meets national and

local portfolio needs

Maria

Boswell

A comprehensive workforce plan is in place to support an

agile workforce to deliver on NIHR portfolio. Information

provided via Workforce Review will continue to inform T &

E local requirements in 2016/17

Links established with Research Delivery Managers

across Themes & Specialities to identify specific speciality

training to meet portfolio needs

Links established with Research Nurse Matrons/Lead

Nurses to identify specific speciality training to meet

portfolio needs

Commercial training, feasibility embedded into local

training with support from IOM.

WDL attending network wide workforce/training meetings

with Partner Organisations and local stakeholders.

Identification of a senior

leader to take responsibility

for workforce development ,

and to participate in nationally

agreed workforce development

Visible senior leadership to

inform and advise on

workforce development and

deployment.

April 2015 Maria

Boswell

WDL is in place as a member of the Senior Management

Team and attends key senior meetings and Forums both

internally and externally with partner organisations and key

stakeholders.

Training plans support NIHR

5year strategy with short –

long term goals identified.

Support made available to

Patients & Public to actively

contribute to research delivery

Collective leadership and

responsibility for developing

the research workforce

Knowledge and experience

of patients and the public is

valued and heard within a

developmental environment

Maria

Boswell

WDL has continued to be a member of key professional

and workforce groups in the North West.

All training is advertised via Google platform and in

network communications bulletins.

Support provided to all learners in establishing Google

accounts by Change Champions and BI team.

Patients and public have taken part in the MOOC.

CRN NWC have taken part in the pilot programme


Building Research Partnerships. BRP group established

and patients have been identified as facilitators to co-

deliver in 2016/17

Gathering workforce

intelligence :

Network will undertake a

comprehensive review of the

delivery workforce via a

workforce review to establish a

profile of NIHR CRN funded

staff employed within the

LCRN.

More informed business and workforce planning : a strong emphasis is placed on workforce planning across the network, combined with service planning and portfolio delivery.

Development of a network

action plan that priorities

key training and

development needs.

All network funded staff

have had the opportunity to

contribute to the gathering

of workforce intelligence.

Maria

Boswell

Supported by Host and Partnership Group, a Workforce

review completed July – Dec 2015 by members of the

Senior Management Team across 21 partner

Organisations. 1 organisation declined to take part in face

to face discussions. 219 staff discussions took place with

clinical delivery staff resulting in the development of an

action plan that prioritises key training and development

needs and workforce activities related to job roles to

support career progression; talent management;

Recruitment to Time & Target and overall and NIHR High

Level Objectives.

Information collated has contributed to workforce and

business planning discussions with partner organisations

for 2016 – 17.

Recommendations have been made regarding new posts /skill mix. Development of some standardised JDs to be considered for 2016/17.

Workforce review project timescales slightly longer than

anticipated due to staff challenges. Final report submitted

to CEO‟s and Partnership group and reports disseminated

to Partner Organisations.

Ensuring quality standards for

learning delivery. NIHR

programmes are delivered by

staff following training,

supervision and coaching.

To support improvement of

the training experience and

outcomes, share good

practice and show the

importance and benefits of

effective NIHR training

programmes

Safe guarding of patients ,

Maria

Boswell

All programmes are subject to quality assurance checks.

All facilitators delivering NIHR training have undertaken

NIHR Facilitator training

Community of practice for GCP facilitators established

Peer review, coaching and feedback in place with

facilitators, supervised by WDL. Research buddy system

established


public and staff

Consistency of facilitation

skills across a range of

programmes

Evaluation forms reviewed quarterly and information

provided to stakeholders and facilitators to inform future

learning.

Ensuring appropriate Line

Management/professional

accountability of network

funded staff

Staff have accountability

directly to their employer

and as close as possible to

their clinical practice.

Professional nursing

leadership identified

Maria

Boswell

Evidence/data gathered during workforce reviews on clinical and non-clinical management structures, appraisal and support structures has been shared with organisations to ensure staff have appropriate line management and support.

Communities of Practice established across 8 specialities

with more in early development phase, providing

networking and sharing of best practice opportunities.

Advice given by WDL on the re-design of job descriptions

where appropriate.

Staff to undertake role specific

induction.

NIHR CRN Induction

programme to be made

available to staff.

Promote international

competency framework

All network staff will have a

clearer understanding of

their role in the NIHR and

their contribution to

research delivery.

Maria

Boswell

CRN Induction programme not delivered in 2015/16 but a

network wide Induction framework is in place identifying

key milestones/minimum requirements for delivery staff

commencing in a research role. This is to be revised in

2016/17 to incorporate the NIHR CRN Vision and Values.

International Competency framework not yet available via

NIHR so not endorsed across the network. Existing

Clinical and non-clinical competency frameworks widely

promoted across the network.

Contact us

CRN NWC: Liverpool Science Park 2

nd Floor Innovation Centre (IC1)

131 Mount Pleasant Liverpool

L3 5TF e: [email protected]

t: 0151 331 5122 w: www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/nwcoast

annual delivery report: 2015/16 - nihr · annual delivery report: 2015/16 crn: north west coast ......

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