Scottish Research Nurse & Coordinator's Network Conference 2013

The annual SRNCN 2013 Conference took place on Friday 25th October 2013 at the Apex City Quay, Dundee. The SRNCN is a resource for clinical research nurses, coordinators, data managers and others working in the field of clinical research. The theme for the conference was focussed on ‘Informed Consent: what is the research nurse’s role’. The Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, TORT Centre, was represented by Linda Johnston (Audit Manager) in her capacity as a member of the SRNCN Steering Group.  

The conference was jointly chaired by the SRNCN Chair, Gordon Hill and Lesley Peebles who is the Deputy Director, Tayside CRFs and Research Nurse Service. Keynote speaker, Caroline Gunnell (Co-Director Essex & Hertfordshire CLRN) discussed career and role development for clinical research nurses and the need for taking informed consent. The conference also covered such topics as Ethics, Paediatrics and Adults with Incapacity regarding taking informed consent; Global Research Nurses’ Network. Highlights of the day were two presentations on patient’s perspective on informed consent. The day was rounded off with a lively debate entitled ‘Consent for CTIMP studies is a step too far for CRNs’ with speakers expertly proposing and opposing the motion. 

All attendees are looking forward to conference feedback and are already anticipating next year’s meeting.