NIHR launches new Clinical Trials Guide for Trainees

To mark today’s International Clinical Trials Day 2015, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has launched a new Clinical Trials Guide for Trainees.

The guide is the outcome of the first stage of a NIHR project to develop a source of information to support individuals interested in pursuing a research career that involves the delivery of clinical trials.

Clinical trials contribute significantly to relevant research evidence developed by the NIHR to support the NHS in England and are considered by many to be the gold standard method for evaluation of healthcare interventions. However, clinical trials are complex and many researchers, particularly those in the early stages of their career, find it challenging to know where to start, either to contribute to or lead a trial.

NIHR have compiled a list of FAQs for trainees interested in clinical trials

After conducting an internal report on trainee engagement in clinical trials, the NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre began a project to develop a source of information to support individuals interested in pursuing a research career that involves the delivery of clinical trials. Through collaboration with experts across the NIHR and conversations with existing trainees they have compiled a list of frequently asked questions for trainees interested in getting involved in clinical trials.

As the project progresses, NIHR have said that they will update the guide so that it includes the most useful and up-to-date information on clinical trials for trainees – and to add further questions and answers from trainees.

To view the new Clinical Trials Guide for Trainees, please visit www.nihr.ac.uk/trainee-clinical-trial-guidance.