16 September 2025
“It initially took me a long time to get to grips with study, pre-Covid. Mainly because I ‘inherited’ it overnight, having never worked in Rheumatology and having to learn everything from scratch. I feel like I have come a long way since then, mainly because of the support I have received from the BSRBR-RA study team.”
Introducing Anne-Marie, a Clinical Researched based at Kettering General Hospital. Anne-Marie plays a vital role in identifying, recruiting, and supporting patients to take part in the register. Anne-Marie’s clear and methodical approach ensures only eligible patients are contacted, reducing unnecessary admin and making recruitment more efficient. Her story reflects the steep learning curve of research delivery, but also the satisfaction of making a difference. Her role as a Register Champion shows the impact of local teams in driving the success of BSRBR-RA.
How do you identify eligible participants for BSRBR-RA?
Each month our Research Pharmacy Team compiles a list of patients who have received a biologic the previous month. I then quickly filter out the names I recognise from being on the study already. I then read the patient’s last clinic letter which will state the diagnosis, if they have either started a new drug recently or are continuing long-term treatment. Once I wheedle out the ineligible patients I then go through each potential patient more thoroughly to check their eligibility.
Have you overcome any barriers to recruitment?
By telephoning the patients first of all to ask if I can send them the information. If the patient doesn't have a face-to-face appointment, I make up a bundle with the PIS, Outreach Letter, Transparency letter (all the reading only material).
In a separate bundle I add the ICF, the HAQ, EuroQOL (forms that need completing by the patient) and a pre-paid envelope with a compliment slip which contains instructions of what to do to make it as simple as possible for them to take part without any disruption to their lives.
How do you manage to keep on top of the follow up for participants?
I can get overwhelmed when I log on and see a lot of outstanding follow ups, and I like the colour-coded system. When I feel I have too many to do, I aim to complete the red ones first, then the pink. It’s really satisfying to see them all turn green.
What advice would you offer someone who is starting work on the register at their hospital?
The remote consent is an extremely easy process and as we have funding for pre-paid envelopes it makes the process extremely easy for patients, so they are usually quite happy to participate.
Try to keep on top of your follow ups, as before you know it, they are due again. Log in as often as you can just to check for queries.
Final thoughts…
It initially took me a long time to get to grips with study, pre-Covid. Mainly because I ‘inherited’ it overnight, having never worked in Rheumatology and having to learn everything from scratch. I feel like I have come a long way since then, mainly because of the support I have received from the BSRBR-RA study team.
Thank you Anne-Marie for your amazing work on this