NIHR Principal Investigator Pipeline Programme (PIPP) in Scotland - Full programme details

Please see below outline of the programme

Element 1 consists of four virtual half-day sessions. They are run by an experienced Research Nurse Facilitator over a two-month period.

It covers various topics including:

  • the reasons to become a nursing and midwifery PI
  • qualities of a good PI
  • characteristics of a good research protocol
  • quality assurance in research study setup
  • identification of research studies
  • roles and responsibilities in research
  • PI oversight
  • safety reporting

Check Element 1 virtual session dates.


You will work alongside a local PI who will supervise you to practice what you learned in Element 1.

We recommend you spend about half a day per week for 3 months on Element 2.

The topics covered include:

  • expressing interest in a study
  • conducting feasibility assessments
  • study setup
  • governance
  • informed consent
  • safety considerations

Assessment

There is no formal assessment. You learn by completing a number of listed activities and reflecting on them afterwards.


Element 3 builds on the knowledge and practical experience you gained in Elements 1 and 2. It consists of self-directed learning from a recommended set of resources.

You will take on the role of a PI for a NIHR portfolio study.

Before you start this element, you will need to find a suitable study. Your line manager or local R&D department can help with this.

We recommend you spend about half a day per week for three to six months on Element 3.

We will also invite you to a PI Masterclass and recommend further learning activities.


During Element 4, you will mentor other learners who are at an earlier stage of the programme or on other PI development schemes, eg Associate Principal Investigator scheme.

We will provide resources, guidance materials, and support workshops to help you understand and fulfil the role of a mentor. Learning is through peer support and mentorship.

The topics covered include:

  • the role and expectations of a mentor;
  • ongoing support for mentors.

You should spend up to two hours per month for three to six months on Element 4.


 

FAQs about the programme

What is the time commitment of the NIHR PIPP in Scotland programme?

Taking part in the NIHR PIPP in Scotland programme will need to be done in conjunction with your core day-to-day role. We recommend you plan how you will do this and agree this plan with your line manager.

There are four Elements to the NIHR PIPP in Scotland programme, done one after the other. We recommend a minimum timeframe of 12 months.

The time commitment for each element is:

  • Element 1:  4 half days to attend virtual theoretical sessions
  • Element 2:  0.1 whole time equipment (wte) for 3 months
  • Element 3:  0.1 wte for 3-6 months
  • Element 4:  0.1 wte for 6 months

Do I need to complete all four elements of the PIPP?

The programme has been designed to provide maximum benefit to participants and their employing organisations by undertaking all four elements over a suggested period of time. Each element focuses on achieving a result. Therefore, all four parts must be completed. 

 

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