A team of research nurses at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals have been shortlisted for a top national award, for making life-changing clinical research easily accessible to all patients.
By working with a number of specialist nurses, the team have overseen a 41 per cent increase in the number of patients taking part in clinical research across the Trust in just one year, with a further 18 per cent rise in research studies in specialities which previously had not participated in studies.
The team are in the final 10 in the Clinical Research Nursing category of the Nursing Times 2016 Awards for the second year in a row. They were selected by the Nursing Times for expanding clinical research into even more specialities within the Trust and for creating a new, smarter, way to make the all-important first approach more appealing to patients.
Patients now speak to a healthcare assistant in an outpatient clinic who provides them with information about research to discuss at the end of their appointment with a specialist nurse. This gives them time to think about getting involved in a study before they are introduced to one of the research team.
The Trust’s clinical research nurses are also working closely with specialist nurses in dermatology, chest pain and gastro surgery, giving more patients the opportunity to take part in clinical studies.
Dr Trevor Rogers, Director of Research & Development at the Trust, said: “To be shortlisted again is a great achievement. It’s a fantastic recognition of the team’s dedication and resourcefulness to finding solutions to the challenges of growing the Trust’s research portfolio. I am very pleased that their efforts are being duly recognised and wish them the very best of luck.”
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at a prestigious event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Wednesday 26 October.