Completing the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme through the CareCoach Study has been a rewarding and valuable part of my research journey. The CareCoach Study, which explores the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an online support package for family carers of people living with dementia, provided me with the opportunity to develop research management skills.

Over the six-month programme, I played an active role in supporting local study delivery. This included promoting the study across clinical teams, engaging with key stakeholders and helping to raise awareness of the research within relevant services. I supported presentations and discussions about the study, ensuring colleagues understood the eligibility criteria and encouraging appropriate referrals and participation.

A significant part of my role involved supporting participant screening and recruitment. I regularly reviewed screening logs, assessed eligibility using electronic health records and monitored recruitment activity to help ensure participants were identified and recruited in line with study requirements and regulatory standards.

Throughout the scheme, I also gained valuable experience in research governance and quality assurance. I supported the maintenance of delegation logs, ensured compliance with Good Clinical Practice requirements, assisted with the implementation of protocol amendments and helped maintain study documentation and version control within the electronic Investigator Site File. These responsibilities strengthened my understanding of the processes that underpin the safe and effective delivery of clinical research.

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, Clinical Studies Officers and the wider research team was a particularly important aspect of the programme. Through this collaboration, I developed greater confidence in research leadership, problem-solving, contributing to maintaining recruitment momentum and addressing challenges as they arose.

Completing the Associate PI Scheme has strengthened my skills in research leadership, study management, recruitment oversight and collaborative working. Most importantly, I am proud to have contributed to research that aims to improve support and outcomes for people living with dementia and their carers. Although my formal participation in the Associate PI Scheme has now come to an end, the experience has reinforced my commitment to research and I am pleased to continue contributing to ongoing studies that make a meaningful difference to patients and families.

By Dr Aarzoo Suman, ST6 Old Age and General Adult Specialty Trainee, North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT)