Development of the Endoscopy Research Link Nurse Role Roberto Cayado Lopez Bev Spencer Introduction Contact Details: The Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility / Clinical Investigation Ward established a Research Endoscopy Suite in 2006 in partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to support ethically approved research studies. These studies range from gastric cancer and Barrett’s oesophagus screening studies, experimental medicine on the genetics of the inflammatory bowel disease to Phase II/III clinical trials in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Currently 12 studies use our Endoscopy Suite on a weekly or ad hoc basis. In order to support them to a high standard of care 4 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) nurses are required. Methods  All endoscopy studies and related issues have been directed towards the Endoscopy Research Link Nurse (ERLN), establishing this role as the dedicated coordinator.  For all staff involved in the endoscopy studies, the ERLN has led the implementation of a competency framework, rooted in robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have been based on the most up-to-date guidelines.  The ERLN has been developed to become a clinical resource for endoscopy, not only as an expert on operating the different equipment, but also by introducing systems to maximise participant safety and ensure traceability of equipment and staff involved in the different stages of each procedure.  An integral part of the ERLN role is to establish and support a functional network that encompasses the endoscopy research teams, the main Endoscopy Unit, manufacturers and any endoscopy related department. Aims  To provide the research teams with a dedicated coordinator for their studies and clinical trials.  To ensure continuity and a high standard of care for all endoscopy related studies. Discussion Having a dedicated coordinator enhances the high standards of care that participants receive, and other members of staff can take advantage of a robust, purpose-built competency framework. The endoscopy expertise within the Unit has increased exponentially thanks to the collaborative orientation of the role and the multidisciplinary work with other teams and departments. Some studies involve the use of new equipment and new techniques (such as the TriModal Imaging), and the ERLN has been able to implement training packages and SOPs to ensure that the staff have the appropriate skills and the procedures are carried out safely. Although not all the practice improvements can be attributed to the implementation of this role, it has helped in setting a philosophy of work that underpins the reforming of the research endoscopy into a speciality in itself. This has attracted the interest of researchers in other types of endoscopy, such as bronchoscopy. Our strategic vision is to expand our portfolio with high intensity studies, involving members of the wider Trust such as the Critical Care teams. A particular effort has been put into translating any issues found in the implementation of this role into Nurse led research studies. Results All research teams have given positive feedback about the implemented role, and proactively include the Endoscopy Research Link Nurse in their routine work and meetings. The robust competency framework has ensured that new team members are supported and that Research Governance, Clinical Governance, British Society of Gastroenterology and Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) standards are met. The Endoscopy Suite is now more cost effective as new procedures have been implemented. The expertise of the ERLN is now utilised by other professionals within the Trust, and advice is sought when equipment commonly used in research endoscopy is required for other procedures. The profile of the Research Facility has been raised, and this is reflected in the number of new researchers enquiring about our specialist resources.