Research nurses play a vital role in delivering high quality MND research and in supporting people with the disease to take part in clinical trials safely, ethically and with confidence. To support you in your specialist role, the MND Association has developed a programme of videos and resources designed specifically for nurses working in MND research across our Care Centre network.
This page brings together practical learning, guidance and support to help you build confidence, understand the Association’s research priorities, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with people living with MND, their families and multidisciplinary teams. The resources aim to support both professional development and personal wellbeing, helping you feel informed, connected and well supported in your role.
Recorded webinars
UKRNI
This webinar provides an overview of current MND research, including key inclusion and exclusion criteria, and supports research nurses to keep their knowledge up to date. It explores how to analyse and interpret emerging research and share it appropriately with people living with MND, health and social care professionals and volunteers. The session also addresses common barriers to research participation and offers guidance on having confident, empathetic conversations about research opportunities, limitations and expectations.
King’s College Hospital: Roles and responsibilities in research
This session focuses on the role and accountability of research nurses in delivering effective, high quality research. It explores how research nurses contribute to clinical trials within a local multiprofessional team, while maintaining strong links with national research colleagues and sponsors. The webinar also covers how to clearly explain the principles of clinical trials to people living with MND, volunteers and health and social care professionals.
King’s College Hospital: Practical considerations and quality
This webinar looks at the practical implications of involving people living with MND in research, including issues such as manual handling and the impact of rapid disease progression. It also supports research nurses to lead evaluation and audit activities, with a focus on understanding and improving the experience of people with MND and their families or carers who take part in research, as well as the service provided by the research centre.
Cognition and behaviour in MND
Delivered by Professor Eneida Mioshi, these recordings explore the cognitive and behavioural complications of MND. They introduce behavioural symptoms and the ALS FTD diagnostic criteria, alongside an overview of how cognitive and behavioural changes are assessed and identified across different MND subtypes. The sessions also consider management approaches and available support, and examine how these changes can influence research participation, treatment planning and informed consent.
Introduction to behavioural symptoms
Carer perspective: cognitive and behavioural change in MND
In this recorded session, Sue shares her personal experience of supporting her husband, Jim, following cognitive and behavioural changes associated with MND. Drawing on her perspective as a carer, Sue reflects on the impact these changes had on daily life, relationships and decision making.
Courses
An introduction to key assessment tools
This series of recordings introduces key concepts that MND research nurses should be aware of, including King’s staging, the ALSFRS-R and slow vital capacity. The sessions provide an overview of how these tools are used in MND research and their relevance to clinical trials.
Accessible research: supporting adults with capacity and communication challenges
This course provides guidance on including adults who may lack capacity or have communication difficulties in ethically sound research. It covers the legal and ethical framework, capacity and decision making, practical adjustments and supports, and real world examples. By the end, you will understand the laws governing ethical research in this area and the practical steps that can support inclusive participation. The course is based on guidance from the ASSENT project.
Visit the course page
Further learning opportunities from the MND Association
We offer a wide range of learning opportunities for professionals working in MND. Click the links below to find out more.
Online courses: These provide flexible, expert-led learning to support health and social care professionals working with people affected by MND. Developed with professionals, they cover core knowledge, specialist topics and professional development. Courses can generally be completed at your own pace and support continuing professional development.
Webinar recordings: These offer a wide range of expert-led sessions covering clinical practice, multidisciplinary care, patient and carer perspectives, psychological support, communication, equipment, nutrition, respiratory care and more. Designed to fit around your work commitments, these recordings provide practical insights and learning for professionals supporting people affected by MND.
Calendar of events: Here you will find details of upcoming education and development events for health and social care professionals, including webinars, workshops and conferences delivered by the MND Association. Events are designed to support learning, collaboration and best practice in MND care and research.