Vascular Trials UK has announced the launch of a national vascular research nurse network, bringing together research nurses and clinical trial practitioners from NHS trusts across the United Kingdom.
The network aims to share best practice in patient identification, consent and follow-up, and to reduce the variation in recruitment rates seen between sites. Vascular surgery trials can be challenging to deliver: patients are often elderly, may have multiple comorbidities, and frequently require urgent treatment that complicates randomisation.
By connecting research staff across the country, organisers hope to shorten the time taken to open new studies and to help under-recruiting sites learn from their more experienced peers. The network will hold quarterly virtual meetings and an annual in-person conference, with the first event scheduled for later this year. Research teams interested in joining can register their interest through their local NHS research and development office.