Teacher training with the Gorse SCITT

This post in the Yorkshire and Humber Improvement Academy supports the implementation and spread of best healthcare practice across Yorkshire and Humber.The Improvement Academy is one arm of the Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network (AHSN), a recently established partnership organisation with the goals of improving population health, transforming healthcare and wealth creation. The Improvement Academy is involved in delivering the second goal, including implementation of High Impact Innovations, NICE Technology Appraisals and improving patient safety.My role involves working collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues in the Improvement Academy and partner organisations to support the delivery of these outcomes, with particular focus on projects within the NICE Technology Appraisal Implementation Network. Projects I am involved in include stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, linked to NICE Technology Appraisals on novel oral anticoagulants, and medications management for long term conditions such as diabetes.Currently I manage and deliver the stroke prevention project and medicines optimisation, developing good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring effective and positive communication regarding the changes required for successful implementation of best practice. Stakeholders include NHS organisations, local authorities, Pharma, ABPI and NICE.

My responsibilities included project managing large scale multi-centre observational studies. I have been involved in a diverse range of studies (inflammatory bowel disease and renal tract abnormalities), responsible for the whole study process, from set-up – recruitment – to study closure. Working with other centres has been a challenging yet enjoyable experience. As I was the primary contact for the large-scale studies, I communicated mostly by email and telephone to deal with queries from other centres. This has improved my written and verbal communication skills.Recruiting participants involved screening medical notes to identify eligible patients. This followed with sending invites of the study relating to their condition, dealing with any queries, and finally recruitment and follow-up.Recruitment targets allowed me to work to set deadlines and organise my time effectively. Also working within my research team allowed me to reflect the role of a good team player by not only meeting set tasks and targets, but assisting other staff members with their studies e.g. assisting them with recruitment at their clinics, assisting with data collection etc.Other duties included uploading monthly recruitment numbers to the NCRN Accruals portfolio database and supporting members of staff with their research projects too..

This role involved the following roles: Screening patients from breast cancer clinics across Greater Manchester to identify those that fit the eligibility criteria. Inviting eligible patients to the breast cancer study and consenting them at their clinic appointment. Conducting follow-up semi-structured interviews with patients at their home regarding their quality of life and decisions regarding their treatment. Delegating team members to attend various sites across clinics to meet patients. Uploading recruitment figures to the NIHR website for all recruiting centres across Greater Manchester. Attending MDT meetings regarding patient care plans.