Context
As part of UK wide work to streamline research, a HRA Radiation Assurance process for studies involving ionising radiation has been tested and is being rolled out across the UK.
The process coordinates and standardises the Medical Physics Expert (MPE) and Clinical Radiation Expert (CRE) review using an agreed methodology, before studies are submitted for Research Ethics Committee (REC) review. This will streamline the process and minimise delays by identifying issues at an earlier stage, reducing duplication and providing a single point of contact for sponsors.
MPEs reviewing through the HRA Radiation Assurance process will be undertaking a professional role supporting a UK-wide process, and contributing to improved healthcare in the UK. The Health Research Authority will coordinate the service to a process agreed across the UK.
Role details
Accountable to:
- Health Research Authority
Liaises with:
- HRA Technical Assurances Manager
- HRA Technical Assurances Officers
- Clinical Radiation Expert Reviewers
- Medical Physics Expert Reviewers
- Four Nations Radiation Assurance Working Party
Time commitment:
A minimum of 5 MPE reviews per annum (this is a minimum for HRA-managed studies only. This may be more or less for those reviewers undertaking self-managed reviews on behalf of their Trust).
Role description
- To work collaboratively as part of a network of MPE and CRE reviewers to deliver the Radiation Assurance process.
- To perform a dose/risk assessment of the proposed investigations in a research study on the basis of the information contained in the Research Exposure Form (Part F1) and the study documentation in accordance with HRA guidance.
- To complete the MPE form (Part F2) within the Research Exposure Form according to the HRA guidance in language comprehensible to a lay person and return this to the HRA within specified timescales.
- To liaise with the HRA Technical Assurances Officers regarding any issues relating to the dose/risk assessment which need clarification from the study sponsor.
- To check and authorise the completed review once inserted into IRAS, when requested by the applicant or study sponsor and within the timelines specified by the HRA.
- To report and highlight any issues/concerns to the HRA regarding the Radiation Assurance process as part of the continuous quality improvement cycle.
- To perform quality assurance checks on reviews conducted by other MPE reviewers according to guidance and within the timelines specified by the HRA. It is anticipated that this should be no more than two quality assurance checks per year.
Personal specification
Education/qualifications
| Education/qualifications | Evidence |
| HCPC registration | HCPC registration certificate |
| MPE registration | MPE registration certificate |
Knowledge, skills and experience
| Knowledge, skills and experience | Evidence |
| Appropriate, structured experience of using judgement, skill and specialist knowledge to act as a Medical Physics Expert under IRMER in own specialist area. | Curriculum vitae/employer's letter |
|
Experience of carrying out local IRMER compliance reviews, and carrying out or assisting with lead MPE assessments. Guidance for HRA-managed reviewers: five local reviews and five lead assessments within the last five years would provide appropriate experience. Where this number cannot be met please contact radiation.assurance@hra.nhs.uk to discuss how to progress your application further. Self-managed reviewers may have less experience than HRA-managed reviewers but should still have recent experience of conducting local reviews and lead assessments. |
Employer's letter/covering letter |
Medical physics areas of expertise
| Medical physics areas of expertise | Evidence |
| Specialist in diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy treatment or radiotherapy imaging. May also be acquainted with some of the areas above which are not own area of expertise. | Curriculum vitae/covering letter/employer's letter |