Trust blog

Improving children’s lives through research 4 Sep 2025

Dipal Sangani, paediatric clinical research practitioner, plays a key role in delivering children’s clinical research studies at the Trust. From allergy immunotherapy to asthma and eczema trials, her work supports studies that aim to transform children’s lives. With a background in biomedical science and paediatric phlebotomy, Dipal shares her journey into research, the skills she has developed, and why professional registration is helping to strengthen the role of clinical research practitioners across the NHS.

Tell us about your journey at the Trust and how you came to work in our children’s clinical research facility.

Initially, I was working in a pharmaceutical company in India as a biomedical scientist. When I moved to the UK, I started work as a paediatric phlebotomist where I met a couple of research nurses who sparked my interest along with my previous experience in India. In paediatrics, even small improvements can be life transforming. Research today can shape a child’s entire future, which is incredibly motivating.

I began as a clinical research assistant (CRA) in a paediatric research facility, where I continued as a phlebotomist but also started processing blood samples in a laboratory, preparing food allergens for food allergy immunotherapy trials, admin work and lots of other behind-the-scenes duties. I wanted to be more clinical and patient facing, so my manager helped me complete a care certificate course. I then completed the clinical research practitioner (CRP) competencies and was promoted to a Band 5 CRP.

What does a typical day look like for you in this role?

Each day starts with reviewing study schedules, checking patient appointments and checking that all trial materials and equipment are ready. I liaise with the multidisciplinary team to ensure each participant visit runs smoothly and is accurately documented in both clinical notes and study records.

I also screen potential participants, explain study procedures to families and obtain consent and prepare case report forms. I handle data entry, resolve queries from sponsors, and ensure all activities comply with good clinical practice (GCP).

Specific clinical tasks include patient observations, collecting biological samples and processing them in our laboratory, performing venepuncture and cannulation.

What keeps you motivated?

Knowing that the work we do can shape a child’s entire future is my biggest motivator. Even small improvements in treatment or care can have a great impact on the quality of life for a young patient. I am fortunate to work with a passionate, multidisciplinary team. We share the same goal: to improve care for children, and that shared purpose creates a supportive and inspiring environment.

How do you work with colleagues to deliver safe, ethical and high-quality care?

Our team includes research nurses, fellows and study investigators as well as allied health professionals. We work to ensure every aspect of our research trials are delivered in a patient-centred and protocol compliant way, in line with GCP standards and research governance frameworks.

We have regular team briefings to review study progress, discuss any safety concerns, and share updates from sponsors or ethics committees. When challenges arise, I work with the team to find solutions that maintain participant safety and data integrity. We also involve families in decision-making as their input is very valuable for patient satisfaction and we adapt our approach to each child’s needs, which strengthens trust and engagement.

Can you give some examples of current research you’re helping to deliver?

I’m currently involved in delivering paediatric allergy immunotherapy studies, and asthma and eczema studies. Our main allergy studies aim to help children with allergies to peanut and cow’s milk. My specific skills and experience include paediatric phlebotomy and cannulation, laboratory sample processing, preparation of food doses for immunotherapy and patient facing roles including patient screening and informed consent, data entry, and liaising with families to ensure study compliance.

I have completed training in GCP, research governance and informed consent which enables me to contribute effectively to research delivery. I have become skilled at explaining protocols to parents and carers using clear, compassionate language. I also coordinate communication between clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratories to keep studies running smoothly.

You’ve become a registered clinical research practitioner with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS). What did this process involve?

The process involved signing up to the register and then completing the competencies. One of the main challenges was balancing the portfolio work with my day-to-day clinical research responsibilities. I overcame this by setting aside time weekly to work on my portfolio, breaking the requirements into smaller, manageable tasks.

I also sought feedback from colleagues who had been through the process, which helped me understand how best to present my evidence. This structure kept me on track and reduced last-minute stress.

What would you say to fellow CRPs in the Trust who are considering registration but haven’t yet taken the leap?

Go for it. The registration process might feel daunting at first, but it’s a great opportunity to reflect on your practice and recognise the impact you’re already making. I advise gathering evidence early and breaking the process into small, manageable steps. Talk to colleagues who’ve already done it for useful tips and reassurance. And remember that registration isn’t just a badge – it’s a way to strengthen our profession’s credibility, ensure consistent quality across research delivery, and demonstrate to patients and families that they’re in safe, skilled hands.

Completing the process was hugely rewarding; it validated my skills, enhanced my professional credibility, and reinforced my commitment to delivering safe, ethical, and high-quality research.

How do you see the role of CRPs evolving?

I see the CRP role becoming even more central and commonplace in clinical research delivery in the NHS. Clinical research is now more recognised as a core part of patient care and CRPs are uniquely placed to contribute to the growing portfolio of research trials in the NHS. CRPs are taking on more advanced clinical responsibilities, working more autonomously, and leading on recruitment and patient engagement strategies.

With the current focus on embedding research into every patient pathway, CRPs are vital in supporting this initiative and playing a bigger role in training other healthcare staff in research processes to ensure that high-quality, ethical research becomes part of everyday practice.

Finally, what would you bring to a potluck lunch?

Spicy spongy cake – Handvo is a Gujarati delicacy made with fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with the goodness of fresh vegetables, hot chilli and tempered spices.