814 CHEERI: an ambition to enable more paediatric research opportunities for trainees in the East of England. (17th August 2022) - Varma, Rachana
Abstract : Aims: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) identified that often Paediatricians of all grades have limited time, often none, for research. This can have far-reaching consequences for the field, including a reduced understanding of research processes that patients may be involved with. The East of England (EoE) deanery is also aware of this issue. We aimed to establish a regional paediatric trainee-led research network (TRN) to enable trainees working at any of the geographically widespread sites in EoE ( figure 1 ) to access research opportunities. This abstract summarises the work done by Paediatric trainees towards this goal. Methods: A poll in July 2021 was used to understand the need for a regional Paediatric trainee research network. We also had early input from the RCPCH TRN task and finish group through the EoE representative. Following this, a group of nine enthusiastic trainees joined efforts in July 2021 towards establishing a paediatric TRN in EOE which was named CHEERI (Child Health East of England Research initiative). We created a timeline detailing specific outputs such as gaining stakeholder interest and creating a webspace which would act as a research directory for the region. We conducted meetings with academic leads such as the Head of Paediatrics, Cambridge University; and with the training programme directors. We updated trainees regularly during virtual regional study days which are well-attended. Proformas were sent to all 17 hospitals in the region, feedback from these were used in the development of a virtual research directory, within a website managed by CHEERI. Results: 100% of trainees attending a regional Paediatrics meeting surveyed in July 2021 agreed a research network is needed. The CHEERI committee was established through discussing the initiative at a regional study day. It comprises nine trainees (two with academic roles) working at five Trusts, one medical student representative, and two consultant mentors. The RCPCH TRN meetings were helpful especially with guidance from other established regional TRNs, when discussing CHEERI development strategies. Completed proformas and online searches revealed six hospitals with thirty-six active Paediatric non-commercial research projects within the EoE. Five clinical paediatricians have agreed to be voluntary mentors to support trainees develop research goals. Funding used in previous face-to-face meetings were redirected towards developing the CHEERI website. We also launched a Twitter handle: @CHEERI. Challenges faced by CHEERI include lengthy response time to email communications, and lack of protected time for website and research development. Targets developed through committee discussions: to launch regional or local trainee-led, consultant-directed scale-able projects. To unite existing resources and national networks, host regional events and workshops to connect research-active consultants with trainees interested in research. Conclusion: CHEERI is strongly supported by the RCPCH, EoE academic and clinical training leads. We are a group of mainly clinical trainees with consultant mentorship. We recognise the challenges faced in creating a research network. Ongoing work will include establishing a research project, gaining publications and securing funding for ongoing website and research training purposes. Regions interested in establishing their own similar research networks should contact the RCPCH TRN (https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/rcpch-trainee-research-network).