New ICR e-Learning modules provide flexible learning for clinical researchers in the NHS

By Mervin Foulds, Sue Fitzpatrick, Helena Korjonen-Close, The Institute of Clinical Research

The Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) is the professional organisation for those engaged in the science and practice of clinical research.

The Institute is firmly committed to the provision of training opportunities for clinical researchers to complement their professional development. We provide a wide range of cost effective training courses relevant to all aspects of clinical research, and we are now in the process of developing a number of flexible online eLearning modules.

One of the common criticisms of eLearning is that it can be very insular for the student, which results in a lack of motivation and even non-completion of the course. The main objective of the ICR modules is to provide online training and knowledge in an interesting and engaging way through exercises and scenarios. The modules also serve as a useful reference tool for laws and Directives relating to clinical research.

Each module culminates in a multiple-choice examination and the generation of a Certificate for those achieving the "pass" mark of 75%. The modules are expected to take around two hours in total to complete but, as the individual’s progress through the module is monitored, s/he can restart from within the module at any time. This allows the user to work through at their own pace giving them the ability to spend as much time as their work schedule allows without having to restart each time.

From a management point of view, eLearning is often the preferred method of delivery for staff. It has minimum impact on the day to day running of the organisation as staff are not taken off site and there is minimum disruption to the working day.

The reason that this delivery of courses has been so effective for the NHS is that it is so flexible. This flexibility allows employees across multiple sites to learn independently, at their own speed and at times convenient to them, by logging onto the ICR website from any PC at home or at work.

ICR currently has two modules available: "Principles of ICH GCP" and "Introduction to the EU Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC". We are committed to producing a further 11 modules over the next 12 to 18 months on such varied subjects as: ICH GCP responsibilities of the Investigator, ICH GCP responsibilities of the Sponsor, Data Protection, Practical Monitoring and Practical Research Ethics.

People are an important asset to a company or institution and their development is possibly the most important investment opportunity. One further benefit of eLearning applied in the NHS is the value for money.

With limited training budgets, eLearning offers a measurable and predictable investment, which can be built in to budgets. We have established a flexible pricing structure for the modules whereby commercial companies, NHS and academia can reap significant financial benefits from placing orders for multiple copies of the modules.

Details about our eLearning modules are available on our website together with further information about the Institute’s activities: www.icr-global.org

Helena Korjonen-Close (MCLIP),
Information Services Officer
The Institute of Clinical Research, Thames House, Mere Park, Dedmere Road, Marlow, SL7 1PB, United Kingdom
Tel: 01628 899764 Fax: 01628 899766
www.icr-global.org