Carlito Adan - Deputy Lead Nurse - Clinical Research Facility

What does your job involve?

I am responsible for providing leadership, management, and oversight to the nursing team working in Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (LWENC) Clinical Research Facility, ensuring competencies, compliance and expected standards are observed and delivered. I ensure that adopted clinical trials are supported by providing researchers with the infrastructure necessary to deliver high-quality research such as clinical space, research staff and equipment etc.

I work closely and collaboratively with the other teams/ staff functions within the Clinical Research Facility such as medical, operational, quality assurance, data management and trial coordination teams to ensure implementation of trial demands and compliance to standard operating practice (SOP), good clinical practice (GCP) and regulatory standards ensuring high levels of patient care and safety.

What does a typical day look like?

Aside from the above, my typical day usually involves assessing the unit’s capacity, staffing level and staff allocation. Review of documents (new studies, amendment, costings etc), facilitate ad-hoc requests such as tours of the facility, induction of external users and any other queries. Meet with the team either for informal chats or to disseminate any update or pressing information. Attending meetings such as portfolio reviews, capacity meetings, adoption and feasibility meetings, CRF nursing meetings and any other managerial tasks.

What are the main challenges in your role?

Our portfolio of studies is increasing and expanding year on year, while this is a success story, this also comes with its own challenges such as increased demand from the service users and space issues. As all of our trials are equally important either as high priority, complex or early phase trials, we have to find ways to ensure continuity of service provision in order to not compromise the high-quality research and high standard of patient care and safety.

What skills do you need for your role?

Aside from keeping my clinical nursing skills and competency, IT/ computer proficiency is also important. The ability to interpret data and protocol is vital ensuring all aspects of a study are considered such as conducting the trial procedures, costing, service provision, etc. Leadership and management and problem-solving skills are crucial to the day to day running of the unit and delivery of high-quality research.

What are your career ambitions?

My career ambitions are placed around continuous growth and gaining valuable transferable skills. I am committed to staying abreast of the latest trends in the field of nursing and clinical research, and I hope to gain certification or further qualifications that will help me progress in this field.

How did you become a research nurse?

I got involved in research as there has always been an element of curiosity in me, and I had always wondered how a certain drug or device came into being or how a procedure was developed. Then I saw how these new innovations and advancements improved the lives of patients. Consequently, I wanted to be part of something world-beating and ground-breaking in making a difference. So, when I learned that clinical research is one of the career options for nurses, I decided to follow my curiosity, and I quickly realised that this was the career direction that I wanted to take. This kind of involvement has made me look at research from a different perspective, and I know that all these are driven by the positive contribution that research can make to improve patient care and outcomes.

I started working as a research nurse where I gained basic clinical research nursing knowledge and skills. Then after gaining enough experience in managing my own portfolio of studies whether commercial (phases 1 to 4, including post-authorisation and real-world evidence studies), or academic research, I progressed to become a senior research nurse. I obtained my master’s degree qualification and completed my leadership and management certificate as well as a research study design module, and this eventually led me to become a lead research nurse, where I managed a research delivery unit. Then an opportunity arose for me to work in a clinical research facility (CRF) in neurology as a deputy lead nurse.

Working in the CRF has further enhanced my understanding and experience in terms of management, governance and delivery of a research portfolio by working collaboratively with different staff functions within the CRF (e.g. operational management, data and study coordination team, QA, laboratory and PPIE, etc). There is also a close relationship with another CRF (170 TCR) where training and development opportunities are shared among staff including some ad hoc cross covering. The support that I receive from colleagues and the management team is invaluable.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

Working in research not only allowed me to continue with my clinical nursing duties, but it has also opened doors for me to meet and work alongside the inspiring and committed individuals in the world of medical and clinical advancement and innovation. It has empowered me to follow my curiosity by becoming a principal investigator (PI) of a national multi-centre academic study, as well as leading my own initiatives and projects. This has enabled me to present the outcomes of my work both nationally and internationally, including being able to publish them in a peer-reviewed journal as the lead author.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career as a research nurse?

Clinical research is a challenging but rewarding career. It is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients and to help advance clinical care and medical science. Aside from the many resources available to help you get started and settle in the job including the support from your colleagues and manager, I would say:

• Be patient – research protocols and procedures can be overwhelming, just take your time to get used to the routine.
• Be willing to learn - The clinical research field is constantly changing. Be prepared to learn new skills and technologies throughout your career.
• Be passionate - Clinical research can be a demanding field, but it is also incredibly rewarding. If you are passionate about your work, you will be more likely to succeed.
• Think Good Clinical Practice (GCP) – whenever in doubt, refer to GCP principles and guidelines, you can never be wrong if you follow it.