SDRN is committed to improving both the quality and quantity of diabetes research conducted in Scotland. To achieve this objective, we believe that training of staff in research techniques is of the utmost importance, both in terms of patient safety and for data quality. All sites conducting SDRN adopted studies must be registered with the network and will be invited to our regular training updates. SDRN would also like to encourage sites, in primary or secondary care, who have not previously participated in diabetes research to consider conducting some research as a Network Site. SDRN can provide an experienced Diabetes Specialist Research Nurse to help sites get started in research and training can be given either on or off site.

Working with Industry & Charities

SDRN is keen to hear from any research funders who wish to conduct diabetes studies in Scotland, either as part of UKDRN or solely in Scotland. We have registered sites in every Health Board area in Scotland and have members in both primary and secondary care. SDRN members range from sites new to research with completely untapped patient populations to sites with many years experience in clinical trials, who can expertly conduct NCE studies from phase I–II right through to phase IV.

SDRN can conduct accurate feasibility for studies on a nationwide scale and the use of our National Research Register means that recruitment of patients can be focussed in the right areas. These initiatives should make Scotland a very attractive country in which to place your trial and SDRN is keen to develop collaborative links with industry. If you would like to discuss any aspects of clinical trials in Scotland, please contact Shona Brearley SDRN Manager: 01382 660111 x 34594 or email: s.brearley{at}sdrn.org.uk

Registration of Sites

Registering as a member of SDRN is a straight-forward process. Please complete the standard CV Template and send it, along with a copy of your current ICH GCP (Good Clinical Practice) Certificate to Paul McIntosh, SDRN Administrator at SDRN Office, University of Dundee, Diabetes Support Centre, Level 8, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY.

If you do not have a GCP certificate please contact the SDRN Office at the address above for details of courses in your local area or the online course.

Once SDRN has received the CVs and GCP certificates from your study team, we will arrange a visit to your site to discuss the type of research you will be interested in conducting and any other training needs. At this visit, we will also give you a copy of all the SDRN clinical SOPs (they are also available on this website). All studies coming into the SDRN are circulated around sites for interest. The placing of studies at sites is carried out in a fair and equitable manner, based on research capacity at the site and experience. Studies vary greatly in degrees of complexity so less experienced sites can conduct studies which they feel competent with and then gradually increase complexity as their experience and research skills develop. Sites are not obliged to take on any study which they do not feel competent to perform.

Benefits of Registration

• Research staff supported in clinical studies
• Study conducted to GCP standards
• Central ability to place studies in correct setting for patient population
• SDRN will manage approval processes, sites can concentrate on recruitment

Registration Process

• Confidentiality agreement signed between SDRN and indvidual sites
• On site training for staff in research principles and process
• Registered on an annual basis

Training Resources

• SDRN Training Strategy
• SDRN developing SOPs alongside DRNs in England, Wales & Northern Ireland
• Training courses for diabetes specialist research nurses planned
• GCP training can be delivered at site or online
• Training can be specifically tailored to individual or site-specific need

Study Portfolio

For a study to be entered onto the portfolio a member of the study team must complete the Minimum Dataset form. The completed form should then be emailed or sent to Paul McIntosh, SDRN Administrator; p.mcintosh{at}sdrn.org.uk or SDRN Office, University of Dundee, Diabetes Support Centre, Level 8, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY.

The studies on the portfolio are multi-disciplinary and they can be led by any member of the Healthcare team. If you are unsure about registering your study on the portfolio database, please contact Shona Brearley, SDRN Manager; SDRN Office, University of Dundee, Diabetes Support Centre, Level 8, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY. t 01382 660111 x 34594.