At the end of 2022, three CTUs from the network (Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit (OCTRU), Nottingham CTU, and Cardiff Centre for Trials Research received funding from the NIHR Efficient Clinical Trials Call for the EXPLAIN initiative (https://explain.octru.ox.ac.uk/). The EXPLAIN initiative was funded around the topic of Animated Explainer Videos (AEVs) – short videos/animations (up to 2 minutes) which can be used to help individuals understand more about taking part in a trial. 

To view the English versions of the animations please visit https://explain.octru.ox.ac.uk/animations.html and to request copies for any of your trials or CTU websites please complete the request form on that page.

The team will be looking at the usage of the animations – collecting metrics of their access and will also use a short questionnaire 12 months after creating individual links to each AEV to assess the usage and trial teams comments on the value of each AEV on their trial.

The EXPLAIN team wish to express their thanks to every CTU that responded to the survey, those that participated in the Delphi, and most important the PPI partners who co-produced the AEVs.  

The UKCRC Registered CTU Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Otavio Berwanger as the new Chair of its International Registration Review Committee (IRRC).

Professor Berwanger will oversee the Network’s registration process, working with the Network’s leadership to ensure maintenance of appropriate quality standards and helping to shape the strategic direction of the registration process and membership.

Professor Berwanger is cardiologist and clinical trialist with a strong background in leading large-scale, pragmatic, international randomised clinical trials.  He is the Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health UK and  Chair in Clinical Trials at Imperial College London.

Reflecting on the importance of the IRRC’s work, Simon Denegri, Chair of the Network’s Executive Group, welcomed Professor Berwanger’s appointment, stating:

“I am delighted that Otavio will be chairing our International Registration Review Committee (IRRC) and look forward to working with him on behalf of the UKCRC CTU Network Executive Group. Clinical trials units (CTUs) are at the forefront of excellence and innovation in trials across all four nations of the UK and the Network is internationally unique in bringing together the collective expertise of CTUs to ensure continuous improvement in the way the UK conducts trials  The Network’s shared commitment to excellence is underpinned by the  work of IRRC which is crucial in ensuring all members of our network are operating to the highest standards and for patient benefit. Otavio brings with him a wealth of expertise and experience which will ensure the registration process for CTUs is rigorous, fair and forward-looking.”

The IRRC undertakes and has oversight of the Network’s registration process.  This assesses the capability of a Clinical Trials Unit to design, conduct and analyse clinical trials. Registration acts as a hallmark of quality, excellence and integrity and provides assurance to the standard of studies undertaken by Registered units. 

Joyce Fox, a public contributor with extensive experience in public involvement in clinical research and member of the IRRC since 2022, noted:

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Otavio as the new chair of our International Registration Review Committee (IRRC). He has extensive experience in clinical trials and demonstrates a highly inclusive and forward-looking approach, including a strong commitment to supporting and further developing Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). I am excited to work with Otavio on the IRRC and to continue supporting the development of the Clinical Trials Network and strong PPI within it.”

Professor Berwanger joins a notable line of past chairs, including Dr Ian Hudson, former Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). His leadership is expected to further strengthen the integrity and excellence of the UKCRC Registered CTU Network’s registration process.

The importance of sustainability in clinical research was highlighted during a recent debate in the House of Lords.

Ms Bennett noted that, whilst bodies like the UKCRC CTU Network and the NIHR were publishing guidance and promoting sustainable practices, these were voluntary schemes.  She queried whether the Government was considering providing a statutory basis for such activities.

With growing awareness of the environmental impact of clinical trials, the integration of sustainable practices into core trial activities is becoming a key priority and by taking a considered approach, we can reduce environmental impact whilst maintaining the highest levels of quality and oversight.

A big thank you to everyone involved in driving these important conversations forward!  We look forward to seeing further progress in this area.

Find out more about the Network’s Guidance for Greener Clinical Trial Monitoring here.