Access to Facilities
The Institute for Mental Health at the University of Birmingham is developing a new Clinical Research Facility (CRF) that will significantly boost mental health research capacity across the Midlands. This state-of-the-art facility will play a key role in supporting research aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions, with a particular focus on Early Psychosis, Difficult to Treat Depression (DTD), and child and adolescent mental health.
The CRF will work closely with the Midlands Translational Collaboration of Excellence, which is designed to strengthen the region’s capacity for mental health research. By expanding infrastructure and building connections with the NIHR RDN (Research Delivery Network) and other key research bodies, the CRF will enable more ground-breaking studies to take place across the Midlands, helping to accelerate the development of new treatments and therapies.
More information will be available once the Clinical Research Facility is fully operational. Stay tuned for updates on its launch and the exciting research opportunities it will support
Access to Personnel and Support for Staffing
We’re keen to support mental health research within the Midlands and are developing a central bank of resources that can be provided to Trusts through our MHMTC Portfolio Adoption Scheme. Through this scheme, you can apply for support for ongoing studies at your site that fall within our scope (see below). At present, we can offer support to studies from our bank of trained and experienced Clinical Studies Officers who can support participant screening, identification, recruitment and data collection. We hope to extend the support available in the future which may include support for dedicated time for clinicians to undertake the PI role.
To apply for support, please review the attached framework and complete and return the application form.
The CSOs are centrally employed by Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, allowing them to easily work across multiple NHS Trusts. Since they
are already part of the NHS, they can quickly be assigned to new sites when needed, using a Letter of Access.
Main Role of the CSOs
The main role of the CSOs is to help identify participants, manage recruitment, and assist with data collection for MHMTC portfolio studies. They have the flexibility to work across the Midlands, providing vital support to different research teams. They can step in where there are gaps in staffing or assist with setting up new research sites, making sure that procedures for identifying, referring, and recruiting participants are well established. Since the CSOs are trained and experienced in mental health research, they can also offer expert advice and guidance to teams, working alongside them rather than being solely responsible for data collection.
Supporting Research
MHMTC will consider supporting research which:
A. Addresses one of the 5 key areas of the MHM:
- Difficult to treat depression, bipolar disorder, other mood disorders
- Early psychosis, clinical high risk of psychosis
- Children and young people
- Digital platforms for identification of participants and data collection
- Developing novel and tailored MH interventions through experimental study designs
B. Uses a more complex design such as experimental studies, clinical trials and complex trials and/or is industry-funded, commercial contract study or commercial contract clinical trial. (the MHMTC Portfolio will not typically include observational studies).
How CSOs can Support Research Teams:
- Participant Identification: CSOs can help identify individuals who may be eligible for research studies by screening patient caseloads.
- Recruitment and Data Collection: CSOs will work with clinical teams to set up referral processes, assist in recruiting participants and collecting data (primarily assisting local research delivery staff), ensuring that studies can run smoothly and efficiently.
- Expert Support: With their experience in mental health research, CSOs can provide valuable insights and practical support to research teams at each site.
- Filling Gaps: CSOs can provide short-term cover to help with staff turnover/absence or help with getting new studies up and running.
Practical Considerations:
- Travel: CSOs are able to travel to various sites across the Midlands. Travel expenses must be covered by the host sites, and these arrangements will be agreed in advance.
- Access to Systems: For CSOs to work effectively, they need access to the Trust’s IT systems, such as electronic patient records, which are important for tasks like screening. If this access is not possible, alternative plans should be made.
- Support from Host Sites: Host sites are expected to introduce CSOs to clinical teams and provide access to clinic spaces and contact information. A key contact person should be assigned at each site to help facilitate their work.
CSOs are managed by a Senior Clinical Research Mental Health Practitioner, who is responsible for assigning them to studies, monitoring progress, and coordinating with NHS Trusts to ensure access and approvals are in place.
Summary of process of application and adoption:
Sites identify a particular resource need on a study already open at site
Sites complete and submit the application form for adoption of the study at their site onto the MHMTC portfolio. Prior to this, sites may have an informal discussion about the study
The MHMTC Portfolio Advisory Committee reviews the application against the scope and current availability of resources
If the application is considered appropriate for support, a meeting will be convened with the host site and members of the Advisory Committee to agree the terms of the MoU
After the MoU is signed by both parties, resources will be provided and progress reviewed, as agreed.
