Laura Kusyk started her journey into research as a senior clinical research nurse in paediatric oncology and malignant haematology research. She has continued her progression, embarking on the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Master’s program as a trainee ACP, continuing her work in paediatric research at the National Institute for health and Care Research and Manchester Clinical Research facility in RMCH.
This is a new and developing role which Laura can help to shape to meet the needs of the CRF unit and the patients she treats.
Population
The CRF at RMCH delivers complex early phase and first in human experimental research across a wide range of paediatric diseases and specialities, offering 24/7 inpatient and outpatient services for participants 0-18 years recruited nationally and globally
Intervention
Laura works with the wider clinical team to make treatment decisions in clinical research delivery, when trained on each trial protocol Laura prescribes medications, alongside investigations, working with staff and families to record and report side effects. Laura is a consistent point of contact supporting research practitioners and is a role model in clinical research delivery
Outcomes/Impact
Laura will be at the forefront of research delivery, empowering the research team and encouraging other ACPs to explore the research being delivered in their area.
Each of the studies she works on has specific outcomes ,measured such as improved cognition, mobility or behaviour, impact on the patient’s lives are also recorded. Her role means that consistent medical cover is provided to facilitate a seamless service in the clinical research facility.
Laura incorporates the four pillars of practice in their role by:
Clinical
Clinically assessing patients involved in clinical trials, treatment plan review, non-medical prescribing, advanced clinical skills training including lumbar punctures, intrathecal dosingClear summary to show difference of what the advanced role has done clinically that is different to a lower level or medical
Leadership
active member of the senior leadership team, building relationships between the clinical research work and the wider MDTs
Education
Laura teaches in Emergency scenario compliance and training, trial specific clinical skills training, Manchester CRF-wide journal club, family education on trial medication/medical devices.
Research
Laura has contributed to National conference presentations, service audit, QI projects, peer review of nursing journals, supporting colleagues with authorship and funding applications
