Objectives

The objectives of the UK Perioperative Medicine Clinical Trials Network are:


  • To establish a national clinical trials network (CTN) capable of supporting world-class multi-centre clinical trials from idea to publication and dissemination, linked to a national network of hospitals and investigators willing and able to recruit to such trials in the field of perioperative medicine (including observational and experimental studies).
  • To develop and institute an open transparent and robust process for identifying and selecting studies for consideration by the CTN.
  • To develop and maintain an administrative structure to deliver such studies.
  • To build relationships with clinical trials units (CTUs) with expertise and interest in supporting such studies.
  • To engage with local investigators in individual hospitals and ensure that their contributions are appropriately recognised in a manner that encourages continued engagement.
  • To support the development of investigators in key roles including the principal investigator role (local lead for a study) and the chief investigator role (overall lead for a study).
  • To work effectively, avoiding unnecessary duplication, with stakeholders including: National Institute of Academic Anaesthesia (NIAA), NIAA Health Services Research Centre (HSRC), UK Perioperative Clinical Trials Forum, Trainee Research Networks including Research and Audit for Trainees (RAFT), Royal College of Anaesthetists/HSRC Patient, Carer and Public Involvement and Engagement (PCPIE) Group, James Lind Alliance Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care Priority Setting Partnership
  • To develop constructive partnerships with major funders, highlighting the capacity to deliver large multicentre trials, including, NIAA, National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Medical Research Council, and Wellcome trust
  • To develop relationships and collaborations with similar organisation in related specialties (e.g. surgery, critical care, pain) in the UK and internationally.
  • To communicate regularly and clearly with members, stakeholders, partners, and others.
  • To maintain an open, transparent and robust system of governance and appointments, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, terms of office, and performance review processes.