Research and Development Operating System (RaDOS ™)

The Innovation

In response to the DH Research Governance Framework, NHS Nottinghamshire County R&D Department aimed to modernise its processes by developing an in-house IT operating system. RaDOS™ is a practical solution to managing and governing all PCT research related activities.


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The Issues

• Move from a paper based record system.
• The need for a user friendly and accessible system for all team members.
• Be more efficient and professional when responding to service users.
• Become more streamlined and effective in the way the R&D department operated.
• Reduce duplication and errors within the process.

The Benefits

• Open and transparent way of recording and managing study activity, highlighting issues and actions and tracks the progress of research studies.
• Streamlines the way the research department operates and improves effectiveness, providing a professional, accurate and timely service benefiting research active personnel and ultimately NHS patients.
• Move away from a paper based record system to a technologically advanced web based operating system which provides wider access, reduces duplication and potential for errors within the process.
• Makes the Research Governance approval process coherent and practical for all stakeholders.
• Meets the growing demands of information management and reporting to a wide audience, including research active personnel, NHS management teams and DH.

Adoption and Diffusion

• RaDOS purchased by 8 NHS trusts in the UK
• In partnership with a local IT company and the East Midlands Innovation Hub, a web based second generation of the RaDOS™ software has been developed and launched. Currently 9 NIHR Primary Care Research Networks covering England and Scotland now use RaDOS™ PCRN.
• RaDOS™ RD, a web based version of the original RaDOS is now being developed and will be launched in August 2009. Current RaDOS users have shown their interest in converting to the new system.

For further information contact:
Email:brian.hancock@nottspct.nhs.uk
Website:www.radospcrn.co.uk

Mr Brian Hancock of NHS Nottinghamshire County developed this operating system.

The Research Governance Framework has led to the requirement for a more open and transparent way of carrying out studies, and the research community have had to follow new approval guidelines. A need was identified with in the Primary Care Research Network (PCRN) to provide an audit trail of all dept/network activity. In partnership with the PCRNS NHS Innovations and commercial partners North 51, have designed and developed a web based operating system which meets the users requirements, tracks the progress and highlights any delays and of their research through the approval process.

The Research and Development Operating System for PCRNs (RaDOS PCRN) has moved a previously paper-based recording system to a technologically advanced IT operating system.

• RaDOS PCRN has been developed as a direct result of the networks needs. The approach to development has been reactive in terms of addressing specific needs in line with national changes and proactive in anticipating necessary requirements.
• Provides a more efficient and professional response to service users.
• Streamlines the way PCRNs operate and improve their effectiveness.
• Reduced duplication and errors within the process.
• Meets the growing demands of collecting information and reporting to a wide audience, including research active personnel, NHS management teams and DoH.

Developed in consultation with all of the national PCRNs (including Scotland and Wales), the secure web based application ensures all PCRN team members have instant access to the latest information about all research projects in their region. This ensures any of the workforce can answer enquiries in a consistent and professional manner. In addition RaDOS PCRN allows national data to be gathered by the UKCRN and automatic report generation.

The collaborative nature of the project has ensured that the RaDOS system has been adopted by the PCRNs and also is facilitating its diffusion through other specialist Research Networks.