Clinical Research Support Worker Review

During my placement as a Research Support Worker at Salford Royal Hospital, I supported the day-to-day delivery of clinical research studies across the hospital. My role involved assisting with participant recruitment and coordination, approaching and supporting patients, completing research documentation, maintaining study trackers and databases, and assisting with sample collection and processing where required. I also gained experience using systems including EPR, REDCap, Edge and PatientCentre, while working in line with research protocols, Good Clinical Practice and local procedures.

Yes. I was given a good level of responsibility, particularly as my placement progressed. I was trusted to work independently on a range of research tasks, while knowing when to seek support from the wider research team. This included coordinating recruitment activity, maintaining accurate study records and trackers, supporting patient-facing research activity, assisting with sample processing and contributing to the organisation of study visits. I also had opportunities to communicate with research nurses, clinicians and other members of the multidisciplinary team. The placement allowed me to develop confidence in taking ownership of tasks while maintaining patient safety, confidentiality and research standards.

Yes, I have developed a wide range of skills throughout my placement. I have strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills through regular interaction with patients, research nurses, clinicians and other members of the multidisciplinary team. I have become more confident communicating with patients in different situations, particularly when explaining research and helping patients feel comfortable during research procedures.
I have also developed practical research and laboratory skills, including venepuncture, sample collection and processing, pipetting, plasma separation and handling different types of biological samples. I have gained experience using research and hospital systems such as REDCap, Edge, EPR and PatientCentre, as well as maintaining accurate study documentation and recruitment trackers.
The placement has also improved my organisation, time management and ability to prioritise tasks, particularly when supporting multiple studies and managing competing demands. I have developed a better understanding of Good Clinical Practice, research governance, patient confidentiality and the importance of accurate data collection. Overall, the placement has made me more confident, independent and adaptable within a healthcare research environment.

I received a good balance of support and independence throughout my placement. At the beginning, I was given clear guidance and training on the role, research protocols, relevant systems and procedures, which helped me understand my responsibilities and work confidently. As I became more familiar with the team and studies, I was trusted to take greater ownership of my work and complete tasks independently.
The research team were approachable and supportive whenever I had questions or needed clarification, and I received feedback throughout my placement which helped me improve. I particularly valued being able to learn from experienced research nurses, clinical staff and other members of the team. This balance of guidance and independence helped me develop confidence while understanding when it was appropriate to ask for support.

The culture within the research team was welcoming, supportive and collaborative. I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking advice, and everyone was approachable and willing to share their knowledge and experience. Although the work could be busy, the team maintained a positive and friendly atmosphere and supported one another when priorities changed or workloads increased.
I particularly appreciated how patient-centred the team were. There was a strong emphasis on treating patients with respect, making them feel comfortable and ensuring they understood what was happening. I also felt included as a member of the team rather than simply being treated as a placement student, which helped me become more confident and engaged in my work.
Overall, the placement provided a positive working environment where I felt supported, valued and able to develop both professionally and personally.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and found it to be a very valuable experience. It gave me the opportunity to apply what I had learned academically in a real healthcare environment while developing new practical, research and patient-facing skills.
I particularly enjoyed being part of the research team and seeing how clinical research is delivered in practice, from identifying and supporting participants through to data collection and sample processing. I also valued the opportunity to work alongside experienced research nurses, clinicians and other healthcare professionals, which helped me understand the different roles involved in delivering high-quality research.
The placement challenged me to become more independent, organised and confident in my communication, while also reinforcing my interest in working within healthcare science and research. I am very grateful for the experience and for the support I received from the team throughout my placement.

Yes