ECMC Annual Network Meeting 2019

23 Jul 2019

On 23 May 2019, we held the 10th ECMC Annual Network Meeting.

Almost 200 delegates from across the ECMC network came together for this popular meeting to take part in lively discussions, network and meet other ECMC members.

We began the day with an update from the Programme Office, followed by two panel discussions chaired by Professor Stan Kaye of the Royal Marsden and ICR. Panellists from the ECMCs (clinicians and research nurse), patient representatives, industry, MHRA, NICE and the NIHR contributed to debates on “The UK is ready for Complex Innovative Design (CID) Trials” and then “How well is patient referral working in the ECMC network?”.

“The plenary sessions were excellent. I've only been in post 6 months, and this is the first opportunity I've had to meet with the wider network – it was a really good forum for networking and seeing some of the achievements of other ECMCs,” said one delegate.

Next up was a networking lunch, where delegates had the chance to meet up with colleagues from across the network and view posters showcasing the ECMCs’ work over the past year.

Innovation in the network

In the afternoon, delegates had a choice of three parallel sessions on areas of innovation within the ECMC network – focusing on science and study delivery:

Reverse translation capabilities and potential from the network

This workshop showcased examples of reverse translation and demonstrated the power of the ECMC network to deliver this kind of work.

Innovation in clinical trial operations

This session presented examples of technological innovation in trial delivery being used across the ECMC network, encouraged peer learning and sharing best practice.

Complex trial 101 – what do you need?

This workshop gave an overview of the scope of CID trials and an update on the Programme Office’s work in this area in the last year. In groups, delegates identified knowledge gaps and ways to upskill the workforce, which will shape the next steps for this project. Watch out for further updates from the Programme Office later this year.

The ECMC Annual Network Meeting continues to be popular with staff from across the ECMC network; with 84% respondents rating this year’s meeting as successful or extremely successful.

 

Click here to access presentations from the day.