Introduction to Good Clinical Practice training is released in a new format

A new format for the Introduction to Good Clinical Practice training is being released across the UK. The Introduction to GCP training will now comprise:

Part A mandatory elearning, via NIHR Learn, open to all researchers across the UK
Part B optional GCP consolidation session – delivered locally, across the UK, in face-to-face or virtual sessions with experienced GCP facilitators in your network

The pandemic necessitated an end to all face-to-face GCP training across the UK and researchers were signposted to the elearning course as the only available option. In Wales, we created a short, virtual GCP Essentials course to compliment the elearning, with many of the LCRN’s in England following suit.

The NIHR gathered feedback from course participants and found that, whilst people found the elearning thorough and easy to access, many researchers felt they missed out on the depth of understanding and the practical nature offered by the face-to-face sessions. People also commented on the benefits of being able to access training through different formats, particularly where travel or time may be an issue in accessing training.

After a review, it was decided that a new model for GCP training would be introduced across the UK – resulting in the GCP Consolidation session. Researchers will complete the part A GCP elearning to gain their recognised ‘GCP certificate’ then have the option to attend the part B GCP consolidation session, either virtually or via a local face-to-face session. The GCP Consolidation involves practical activities that use real-world study examples to bring the learning to life and provide a greater depth of understanding.

Delegates will receive an additional certificate for attending the GCP Consolidation session, but the GCP elearning certificate will be sufficient for the site file.

Training managers from Health and Care Research Wales have been active participants in the GCP Consolidation working group, contributing to the new activities and reviewing content. We are excited to be able to bring this new material to researchers in Wales, and happy to be slowly reintroducing face-to-face training once again.

Changes to the GCP Refresher have not yet been decided. This is currently available only as elearning but plans for its development are underway.

Delegates shared feedback about attending our training sessions:

I really enjoined this training and would recommend to anyone else getting involved in research" – Training attendee

A really enjoyable course with great instructors that made me feel included and encouraged me to get involved" – Training attendee

Great to have facilitators with a range of research experience from which they can bring in real experiences relevant to the training" – Training attendee

GCP Consolidation session FAQ

What has been changed from the old face-to-face GCP material?: The examples have been refreshed and updated, there is a shared focus on CTIMPs (drug studies) and non-CTIMPs, as well as clinical research and wider care and community research. The GCP elearning has not been changed.
Do we need to attend the GCP Consolidation?: No, only the GCP e-learning is mandatory for those requiring a valid GCP certificate for their work. The GCP consolidation is an optional course you can choose to complete to gain further understanding.
Should learners have attended the GCP elearning before attending the GCP workshop?: Yes, this is a requirement of admission to this workshop, as it is about putting the knowledge learners have gained from the e-learning into practice.
Is there a prerequisite for when a learner has completed e-learning and should complete this workshop?: We recommend that e-learning should have been completed within the last 6 months.
What about certification for this workshop?: Learners will receive an additional certificate for attending the GCP Consolidation session, however, the GCP elearning certificate will be sufficient for the site file.
Why is Informed Consent not included in the GCP Consolidation?: The GCP e-learning includes a great deal on the topic of Informed Consent. It was also felt that the facilitator-led consent training sessions, run by individual networks across the UK, including Health and Care Research Wales, provide this information in more depth. This is also complimented by the specialist informed consent modules on NIHR Learn for different communities and vulnerable groups. We will signpost to this during the GCP Consolidation.