Table 4

Top five strategies for enhancing Trainee Research Collaborative engagement

StrategyStrategyExamples of how strategy can be achieved
1Create opportunities for trainees to generate study ideas and complete trial methodology training

  • Having trainees get involved in trial development alongside more experienced colleagues

  • Trainees taking formal methodology courses and undertaking on the job training

2Promote trainee and collaborative engagement by having achievable study designs with quick wins

  • Getting involved in simpler studies like audits and feasibility studies can help build research skills and confidence

  • Provide flexibility for trainees to be involved in different research aspects that suit their needs and circumstances

3Seek out the support of a consultant champion to provide consistency for a trial and mentorship to trainees

  • Have consultants involved in a trial to provide advice and guidance to trainees

  • Having senior expertise can increase perceived credibility of a study to funding and oversight bodies

  • Provide consultants with summaries of what is expected of them (eg, agreeing to their patients being recruited) and what the trainee will be responsible for doing (eg, data collection and follow-up)

  • Have consultants attend monthly trainee collaborative meetings to provide feedback and expertise

4Be transparent about what is expected from all those involved in the trial and clarify roles, responsibilities and working practices early on

  • Ensure the work of trainees is recognised

  • Terms of engagement can help define expectations for all those involved from the outset

  • Creating a transparent authorship policy makes it clear up front how everyone will be credited for both trainees and collaborators such as universities and clinical trials units

  • Consider having a corporate authorship model which can ensure everyone is acknowledged when a large group are involved

5Engage with and have better communication with collaborators such as Clinical Trials Units and Clinical Research Networks

  • Clinical trials units can provide expertise clinicians do not have (eg, statistical support, data management and trial oversight)

  • Have a key person from the trials unit to work with, provide guidance and help develop the trial

  • Build good relationships with research nurses. They will have trial protocols and paperwork and have more time to discuss the trial with trainees