Study Research Nurse Facilitators- Midlands

The study aims to test the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a patient-centred self-management group intervention, comparing withdrawal of strong opioids for people with non-malignant pain, with best usual care. The study will be run in 3 areas across the UK (North East England, West Midlands and London).

The People

We are recruiting nurse facilitators to co-deliver a group self-management intervention in community settings in and around the Midlands. Nurse facilitators will join the I-WOTCH team based at University of Warwick, Coventry. Successful candidates will be given an opportunity to negotiate which areas you are willing and able to work in. Please clearly state on your application which parts of the Midlands you are prepared to travel to and work in. Areas of program delivery will include both East Midlands and West Midlands.

Successful applicants will be trained to deliver the intervention, which comprises:
• A three-day group programme, typically running from 10am till 3pm, over one to two weeks, co-delivered with a lay facilitator;
• Two one-to-one consultations with each participant to discuss and agree on an opioid tapering plan;
• Two follow-up telephone consultations per participant.

Full training will be given for all components of the intervention, over three days at University of Warwick prior to commencing the intervention.
A flexible approach is required to hours of work, which is offered on a variable hours basis to suit the nature of the intervention programmes.

For more information about the study, please see http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/med/research/hscience/ctu/trials/iwotch/

Responsibilities/duties

The primary responsibility of the post-holder is to deliver the study intervention in co-ordination with the I-WOTCH Trial team and the trained I-WOTCH lay facilitator.

• Attend training days and supervisory support sessions as requested.
• Implement the I-WOTCH self-management programme activities in and around the Midlands according to the I-WOTCH protocol. Develop and maintain good working relationships with the I-WOTCH study team, as well as with the staff in the community venues where you will be delivering the intervention.
• To communicate efficiently with the study team to ensure adequate supplies of all intervention materials. To manage, store and move these materials.
• Ensure that all trial documentation is completed and stored according to the I-WOTCH study protocol, including reporting of any serious/adverse events immediately.
• Ensure compliance with MRC Good Clinical Practice, the Research Governance Framework, CSP Code of Professional Conduct and ICH Good Clinical Practice.
• Ensure that the study is undertaken in accordance with the terms approved by the Research Ethics Committee and the appropriate NHS Research and Development Department (R&D).
• Travel to and work in community locations across the North East.
• Undertake other appropriate duties as requested by the I-WOTCH team leader and/or trial manager.

Selection criteria

Essential

• Qualified Nurse currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• Interest in research. Ability to take responsibility and work on own initiative.
• Ability to work autonomously and within a team.
• Ability to work strictly to study Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Good IT skills (Word, Outlook, internet use).
• Willingness and ability to travel in and around the North East.
You will be required to hold a research passport and have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance prior to the start of employment. These will be organised via the I-WOTCH team at the University of Warwick. Return of the necessary documentation will therefore be essential prior to the start of working.

Desirable

• Knowledge and/or experience of working in chronic pain and/or opioid reduction
• Experience of facilitating or presenting to groups
• An interest in long-term pain or self-management approaches
• Research experience
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

How to apply

For an informal discussion, please email: Alison Hipwell@warwick.ac.uk.
• To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the selection criteria to cturesources@warwick.ac.uk.
• Closing dates for applications: 10th September 2017. Likely interview dates: week commencing 2nd October 2017.

Please clearly state on your application which parts of the region you are prepared to travel to and work in.