UHDB colleagues deliver session at first national Research and Development Forum since pandemic
The first Research and Development Forum (RD Forum) since the pandemic saw over 800 delegates gathering at the Sage Gateshead for two days of sharing ideas, networking and hearing the latest developments in Health and Social Care Research.
Jo Thornhill, Head of Clinical Trials and Research Governance, and Kate Threapleton, Sponsor Trial Manager from University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust (UHDB), attended and delivered a session entitled "Working Together: Balancing Sponsor Oversight & Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) Roles to Run Successful Trials."
UHDB is unique; not only does the Trust act as sponsor for studies run by external CTUs throughout the UK, but also hosts the Derby Clinical Trials Support Unit (DCTSU), a UKCRC fully registered CTU which supports studies from academic, NHS and commercial sponsors.
Jo and Kate offered their insight on working with CTUs, the role a sponsor plays, how to retain oversight and meet regulatory requirements, processes and documentation, risk assessment and taking a risk proportionate approach, tips for working together and shared the excellent work being carried out at UHDB.
Jo and Kate were delighted that their abstract was chosen from a record number of submissions for the 2023 event. Around 150 people attended the session and contributed to a great discussion afterwards, sharing experiences and ideas.
Jo said: "It was great to have the opportunity to share our insights into the work we do at UHDB and DCTSU with colleagues from the R&D community, this was the first time we had presented on this topic and we were so happy with the engagement from the audience and the discussions and contacts we made.
"It was great to be part of the RDForum23 and have the opportunity to network and share ideas for the first time since the pandemic."
Photo caption:
Dr Kate Threapleton, Sponsor Trial Manager (left) and Jo Thornhill, Head of Clinical Trials and Research Governance at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust.