Trainee tips for conducting a clinical trial during the Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Abstract

The research component of doctoral training in clinical psychology can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to apprehension, often influenced by prior experience and the nature of the research undertaken. This article shares reflections on conducting a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) as part of a clinical psychology thesis, offering practical advice to ease the process for trainee clinical psychologists considering a clinical trial for their doctoral research. Key insights include the importance of selecting experienced supervisors, starting early, deciding between a feasibility or full-scale trial, determining recruitment sources, staying organised, building positive relationships with researchers and participants, and choosing a topic of genuine interest. Conducting a clinical trial during clinical psychology training, despite its challenges, can provide invaluable experience and skills, fostering a deeper understanding of clinical research methodologies and their practical applications.