Supporting sepsis research: API scheme success on the SHORTER trial at RCHT

Clinical Fellow, Dr Joe Parker, has successfully completed the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (API) Scheme for the SHORTER Study at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT). The trial, taking place in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), is comparing different durations of antibiotic treatment for sepsis.

The study opened at RCHT in May 2024 and is expected to close later this year. To date, the team has recruited 23 patients.

The NIHR Associate PI Scheme is a six‑month, workplace‑based training programme designed for UK healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, who want to gain practical experience in clinical research. Participants work closely with a local Principal Investigator and follow a structured checklist, leading to formal certification recognised across the NHS research community.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr Joe Parker said: “During my Associate PI Scheme for the SHORTER trial, I thoroughly enjoyed becoming part of the wider Research team in CCU and gaining an insight into the behind‑the‑scenes running of a research trial in a clinical setting. A large part of my first few months involved understanding the theory behind SHORTER and why this research is so important. I later delivered a presentation about the study to colleagues in CCU, helped randomise patients, and responded to queries from the original research team in Newcastle. Completing this six‑month API Scheme has definitely sparked my interest in medical research, and I’m looking forward to becoming more involved in future studies as my career progresses.”

If you would like to find out more about becoming an API at RCHT, please get in touch.