RESEARCH FOR ALL: THE IMPACT OF NWCORR, A TRAINEE RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE

Introduction and ObjectivesThere is an ongoing need to increase trainees participation in research in order to equip tomorrow’s consultants with the skills required to appraise and deliver innovation. Trainee research networks have been established in a range of specialities, resulting in high impact studies benefiting patients whilst involving and developing trainees. However, to date, there are only a few such initiatives in the respiratory community. Here, we describe the experience of a collaborative in the Mersey and North West regions.MethodsLaunched in February 2020, the North West Collaborative Organisation for Respiratory Research (NWCORR), has fostered collaboration between respiratory trainees from the Mersey and North West Deaneries to create high quality, multicentre research. This collaborative has been initiated with the support of National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) Greater Manchester and supported by mentorship from research-active consultants in subspecialties relevant to its projects and Local CRN lead. The network now provides all trainees in clinical training a new pathway to gain valuable experience of research design and delivery through mentorship and networking as valuable part of specialty training.ResultsWith 42 active members, NWCORR has undertaken three research projects with several projects planned. Over 1300 patients have been included across 13 hospitals, with 39 trainees gaining valuable research experience (see table 1). Trainees have led on all aspects of research projects from design to publication. Completed projects have significantly impacted the care of COVID-19 patients whilst engaging 39 trainees across 2 deaneries and have been published and/or presented to disseminate the results.ConclusionsThe experience of NWCORR reflects a high rate of trainee enthusiasm to participate in research alongside clinical training and highlights the potential of collaborative networks. It has enabled trainees who may not wish, or have the opportunity, for an ‘out of programme’ research post to develop research skills and interests. We believe NWCORR and other trainee research collaboratives can, and should, play a pivotal role in embedding a research culture into everyday practice, improve patient care and build early career researchers within the NHS.