Digital learning to support recruitment into cancer clinical research nursing: evaluation of a national e-learning course

Clinical research nurses (CRNs) are essential to the safe delivery of cancer clinical trials and represent an important component of the specialist cancer nursing workforce. However, nursing students often have limited awareness of the role and may not recognise it as a potential clinical career pathway. This article details the development and evaluation of a national e-learning course which aimed to strengthen awareness of oncology research roles, support the objectives outlined in the Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development (ACCEND) framework and contribute to recruitment into the clinical research nursing workforce. A total of 783 learners, including nursing students, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary cancer workforce, completed a post-course evaluation questionnaire. The findings indicate that respondents’ knowledge of the clinical trial patient journey and understanding of the purpose of clinical trials and the role of the CRN increased significantly following completion of the course. In addition, around 92% (n=720) of respondents indicated they would consider a career in clinical research nursing. Integrating oncology research-focused digital learning in preregistration and early-career nurse education has the potential to strengthen recruitment into clinical research nursing.