There is capacity within the NICRF core staff to provide nursing support for Studies/Trials.

NICRF nursing staff can collaborate with the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network (NICRN) coordinator staff to share the coordination of Studies/Trials, or, if appropriate/if required, the NICRF can lead the coordination of Studies/Trials.

Depending on the skill level required and, in agreement with the NICRF, the activity may be costed at either a Clinical Band 3/7, Clerical/Administrative (Grade 5) or Technical, (Grade 6).  In general, where available, activities will be as per local/UK Intensity Tool timings and costed as per NIHR costing template.  All consumables used will be charged.

Our staff can provide support for clinical trials under the following three broad categories:

• General Research support – clinical/administrative tasks
• Direct Clinical Trial Coordinator support e.g. in  collaboration with NICRN/University Group
• Lead Clinical Trial Coordinator support

List of clinical activities (up-to-date as of September 2018)*

Clinical support

• Blood sampling
• Blood sample processing
• Blood Sugar monitoring
• Cannulation and IV infusion
• Collection medication from Pharmacy
• ECGs
• Questionnaire administration 
• Overnight observation
• Vital signs
• Walking tests
• Multiple Breath Washout
• Spirometry
• FeNO
• Bronchoscopy recovery
• Nutrition
• iDXA bone density and body composition
• Bodystat

Operational support

Operational Support activities:

• Liaison with Principal Investigators and Research Coordinators
• Study set-up
• Application process
• Costing Template
• ITool completion
• Intensity Tool
• Reception support
• Booking participants' appointments
• Data and IT requirements
• Procurement, servicing and maintenance of equipment and resources
• Technical Support
• Advertising new studies, listed on NICRF website, via social media
• Obtaining medical notes
• ECR completion
• Site File Maintenance

* The tasks above provide examples only and is not an exhaustive list.  Staff are prepared to undertake additional training to meet service need of PIs.