Proposal for Welsh Endoscopy Research Collaboration

Welsh Endoscopy Research Collaboration (WERC)

 Background- The Northern Region Endoscopy Group (NREG) was set up in 2007 by endoscopists in the North East of England (Chair Colin Rees, Vice Chair- Matt Rutter). Essentially medical, surgical & nurse endoscopists have co-ordinated efforts to develop and undertake large scale audit & research activity in a region. They also participate in other large scale trials as a group. Given the fact that gastroenterology and in particular endoscopy research activity in Wales is still far from fulfilling its potential, it would be timely to combine efforts to form an Endoscopy Research Network. Some colleagues from Bristol & the South West have also expressed an interest in joining forces with us for this endeavour.

Aims & Objectives-

• An endoscopy research network, covering hospitals within the geographical area of Wales, (Severnside & possibly South West England).
• The network shall develop, coordinate and publish high quality endoscopic research and audit across the region.
• All parties interested in endoscopy research irrespective of background specialty or post are encouraged to participate in the network and attend meetings.

What type of Research are we looking to undertake ?-

- A range of different types of audit & research activity will be encouraged. For example-

a) Any audit that is applicable to most units and with demonstrable advantage/ benefit from extension to most hospitals/ units from the original research question.

b) Local or Regional Ethics & R&D approved research studies/ trials where different hospitals/ units may wish to participate

c) Large scale multi-centre studies including UK wide and International studies where applicable where many units within the region may wish to participate

d) Audit or research related to training, service delivery as well as basic & translational studies involving endoscopy.

We do not wish to be involved or in any way suggest that standard local audits undertaken in every unit need to necessarily go through this mechanism and it is entirely with individual local audit & project leads to decide whether they would like WERN to be involved in their project.

What are the potential advantages-?

• - Fostering greater collaborative links in endoscopy-based research between units in the region
• - Attracting resource into the region for endoscopy units based on audit & research activity
• - Publishing abstracts/ papers at BSG as well as in peer reviewed journals based on the above activity as a regional network
• - Standardised quality control for discussion of ideas and design of audits & research in a friendly & constructive atmosphere
• - Evidence base for Supporting Professional Activity for research & audit for all members
• - Extension of links with Industry to support audit & research activity

Who may wish to participate & what format will it take?

• o All endoscopists whether of medical, surgical or nursing backgrounds, and trainees as well as other grades are encouraged to participate. It is not mandatory but it would be disappointing if any hospital/ unit declined to participate. It is envisaged along the lines of the NREG that there will be one link person or representative from every unit but that participation in meetings will be open to all and not be restricted to the representative only. The representative shall act as a "link" to disseminate information to, and collate information/opinion from, their hospital.
• o Any ideas for audits & research remain with the originator of these who will be considered as the main investigator or project lead with other participants being collaborators/ co authors etc. depending on a case by case basis and will be agreed prior to commencing the study. The main investigator will be considered responsible for taking their idea forward to implementation and the network will help with logistics and collaboration as well as peer review of protocol, governance issues etc.

 Proposed Structures for the Research Network-

• - Formation of a Collaborative Research Network committee with Voting representation from each unit
• - Further representation may be sought from other bodies (for discussion)
• - This network will be under the umbrella of WAGE
• - The following posts shall be determined by vote:
• o Chair
• o Vice-chair
• o These posts shall be held for a period of 3 years (individuals can stand again for a maximum of one further 3 year period)
• - Hospital link representatives shall be nominated and decided after open invitation to all endoscopy users in that institution. This should be discussed and minuted in that hospital's Endoscopy Users' Group meeting. Where no decision can be reached, the network research committee shall hold a deciding vote
• o These posts shall be held for a period of 3 years

Voting

• For matters which require a formal vote, the hospital link representatives shall hold voting rights. Where an individual cannot attend, a deputy (designated by that representative) should attend and can vote on their behalf. It is the responsibility of the link person to ensure that they have a mandate from their trust.

Network Meetings

• The group will meet every 3 months, with additional meetings if the need arises.
• Meeting invitees shall comprise:
• o Hospital link representatives. Where an individual cannot attend, a deputy (designated by that representative) should attend
• o Representatives from other relevant bodies as detailed above
• o In addition, there is an open invitation for any other person with an interest in endoscopy research to attend. It is the responsibility of the hospital link representative to ensure other interested parties within that organisation are informed of these opportunities.
• Sample Draft agenda:
• o Apologies
• o Matters arising
• o Project updates
• § Audits/Trials in progress
• § Audits/Trials in development
• o New project proposals
• o AOB
• o Date, time, place of next meeting

Project groups

• Each project will have a nominated project lead
• Project groups will have separate project meetings, the frequency of which will be set/coordinated by the project lead
• Project groups will provide a research update at each Network meeting

Authorship of studies

• No study or abstract shall be submitted, in written or other form, bearing the Network's name until granted by WERN. When a timescale makes it impossible to discuss an abstract at the next WERN meeting, agreement may be reached by electronic communication between the authors and the WERN committee (link people), via the chair.
• All WERN-sanctioned studies will state in the authorship "on behalf of the Welsh Endoscopy Research Network"
• Significant contributors will be listed as authors
• Minor contributors will also be acknowledged on the paper/presentation

Any disagreement over contribution will be decided by the project lead and project team, or where appropriate by vote at the next WERN meeting

All constructive comments & expressions of interest gratefully received- please contact Sunil Dolwani - Sunil.Dolwani@Wales.nhs.uk