User feedback
“I found the framework helpful and structured and used it to identify some learning needs when planning my research fellowship.” Physiotherapist, ICHT
Clinical Research Training Framework
The Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre has developed the Clinical Research Training Framework to develop the skills that an clinician of any professional background requires in order to support clinical research. Originally developed in 2019 our second edition of the framework can be used more flexibly and is now easier to use and simpler to complete.
The Framework supports clinical staff in the AHSC organisations* to develop a detailed understanding of research, and research skills, to allow them to become more directly involved in the mission of the AHSC: to accelerate the translation of research discoveries into improvements in human health. The Framework will facilitate staff to support NIHR and industry trials, or develop their own clinical academic careers by proposing competencies, skills and training and suggesting opportunities and resources offered within the AHSC (and beyond).
Completion will signify that the individual has extensive core skills and knowledge of clinical research, which would be of use both in supporting clinical research but also enhancing the care provided within the NHS. Successful completion of the Framework does not count as credit towards a formal university course or carry CPD points, however, it can be used by staff during appraisal, performance review, revalidation and personal development, and as evidence of research skills acquired. The framework is complementary to any other frameworks you may be using for clinical/professional development, including competency frameworks specific to your role.
Overall it is likely to take up to a year to complete all aspects of the Framework. Some recent prior training/ experience can be used.
- Work through the framework to develop a detailed understanding of research and research skills
- Use the framework during appraisal, performance review, revalidation and for your personal development
- Complete the suggested training over 3-12 months and gain a certificate of completion from the Imperial College AHSC to enhance your CV and highlight the role you play in advancing patient care through clinical research – OR - use the framework flexibly in whichever way best suits your plans and research training needs.
- Improve your ability to support the world leading research being done here and develop your own clinical research career
Please fill in this short form to receive a copy of the Framework directly to your inbox.
* ASHC organisations - Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals (Affiliate))
Tabs
Completion of this framework demonstrates that you have undertaken learning and development in clinical research and research methods. Once downloaded, you should start by reading it completely. You may already have some knowledge and experience about some areas. If you are new to research it may take you one or more years to finish all the activities and learning described. If you are already research active, some recent experience/courses can be used as evidence.
Overall it is likely to take up to a year to complete all aspects of the Framework and recent prior learning can be used as evidence.
Learning outcomes:
- Understanding of clinical research methods
- Competence to participate as an Investigator in research studies
- Good Clinical Practice research certification
- Competence to undertake critical review of research topics/ideas
- Understanding of statistics or qualitative methods for clinical research
- Knowledge of writing research protocols, research data, and peer-reviewed papers
- Understanding of how research training can be used in routine clinical practice to enhance patient care
Modules
The Framework contains 2 Modules; Module 1 Research Methodology and Module 2 Clinical Studies. Each module provides a list of the relevant core Knowledge, and academic Competencies required and makes suggestions for how each might be achieved and evidenced.
Users should review the Knowledge and Competency columns in the modules, do a self-assessment and make a note as to how they have achieved or formulate a plan for how they intend to achieve each one.
This part of the process is for each user's own reflection on their progress and provides a suggested structure for how they might develop their research skills and knowledge. Achievements with the Knowledge and Competencies described in the Modules do not need to be reported as part of certification, but we suggest users will find it helpful to keep notes that may help when completing the Evidence pages, and also more generally for discussions with managers, colleagues etc…
Evidence pages
In addition to making a self-assessment against the Knowledge and Competencies in the 2 Modules, users should complete the Clinical Research Logbook, Reflective summary and other activities described on page 12 - and provide evidence/signatures to prove that they have done so.
Once fully completed users have the option to hand write into a paper version of the evidence pages and then scan and send them by email for certification.
Certification
Completed Evidence pages, Logbook, Reflective summary, GCP Certificate and all required signatures, should be sent by email to cato@imperial.ac.uk
Please note: Certificates of completion of the Clinical Research Training Framework will be issued by the Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre to staff employed by Imperial College AHSC only.
If you have any questions about using the Framework please contact the CATO team at cato@imperial.ac.uk
Please complete this online form to recieve a copy of the Framework directly to your inbox.
Useful links
Contact us
The CATO Team and Radiographers Incubator work on a Hybrid model, combining days in the office with days working from home – the best way to reach us is by email.
cato@imperial.ac.uk
radresearch@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0)20 3313 7397