ECRAID-Base microsite adds Training section
One of the priorities of the ECRAID-Base consortium is ensuring that the sites in Ecraid's clinical research network are provided with opportunities to improve their skills and expertise. A newly launched section of the project's microsite will serve as a central hub for information on training activities.
Ecraid is dedicated to keeping all sites within its clinical research network in line with the OPERATES criteria: Organised, Prepared, Engaged, Resourced, Active, Trained, Extensive, and Sustainable. Making this a reality is one of the goals of the EU-funded ECRAID-Base project.
A dedicated team within the consortium is tasked with ensuring that the Trained criteria is properly adhered to. This collaboration between the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), the European Respiratory Society (ERS), and Ecraid helps the sites stay at the top of their game by offering regular training and educational opportunities, both online and in-person.
Majella Ding, Science Programme & Education Coordinator at ESCMID, explains why adequate training is an important part of the project:
Together with our colleagues from ERS and Ecraid, we work to ensure that the sites in Ecraid's network are well-trained to conduct clinical and/or laboratory research activities at the the level of quality the ECRAID-Base consortium aspires to. Just as importantly, our training activities facilitate the coordinated and cooperative approach the consortium has embraced.
Maximising sites' potential
Training opportunities are available to all sites and investigators within the wider Ecraid network. Select activities, such as Ecraid's online Good Clinical Practice (GCP) course, are provided free of charge. For others, eligible site staff can apply for grants offered by ESCMID, ERS and Ecraid.
Clinical sites and their staff can benefit substantially from these opportunities. Jr. Project Manager Lotte Jonker, who supports the Training team from within Ecraid, believes that these activities maximise the sites' potential by improving their research skills and infrastructure:
Sites can benefit whether they are making their first steps in clinical trials (for example, with our GCP course or methodology courses), or they want to learn about the latest developments within the infectious diseases field via webinars, antibiotic courses, etc.
Online GCP course
Clinical trial investigators working within Ecraid's network can enrol in our free online Good Clinical Practice (GCP) course which offers practical guidance to optimising the often-difficult recruitment of patients.
The course, provided by the ECCRT in its virtual campus, enables participants to understand the responsibilities of everyone involved in clinical research. It teaches the conduct, performance, monitoring, and reporting of a clinical trial using interactive quizzes and exercises for self-assessment. A trainer from ECCRT is available to answer questions.
More information, as well as registration instructions, are available in the Training section of the ECRAID-Base microsite.
An array of opportunities
Sites can take advantage of much more than the GCP training. The new Training section features an overview of all upcoming training opportunities supported by the ECRAID-Base project, such as in-person and online courses, workshops, and webinars. The most relevant information, such as dates, location and deadlines, is listed for each event together with links to in-depth descriptions and registration forms.
The section can also be useful to non-Ecraid affiliated persons working in the field of infectious diseases. Our Virtual Learning Platform, hosted by ERS, provides free access to live and recorded educational activities. No registration is required, and anyone can make use of these resources.