Clinical research is a core function of the NHS; it is a major driver of innovation and is fundamental to improving the current and future health and care of the population. Ultimately, clinical research means patients get access to new treatments, interventions and medicines. Investment in research means better, more cost-effective care for patients.
We work with the NHS National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to promote research and offer our patients the opportunity to take part in ethically approved research studies.
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) was established in 2006 to “create a health research system in which the NHS supports outstanding individuals, working in world-class facilities, conducting leading-edge research focused on the needs of patients and the public”. The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) was introduced to provide the infrastructure to the NHS to allow high quality research to be set up and delivered effectively and efficiently.
For more information about NIHR please visit National Institute for Health and Care Research | NIHR
What does this mean for patients?
As a research practice, we are part of studies that involve anonymised data being shared, this data is used to inform the Department of Health regarding, for example, flu epidemics, prescribing information etc. This helps us constantly monitor the quality of our work and keep up to date.
You may at times be offered the opportunity to be involved in research studies which we have agreed to support. The practice’s level of involvement may range from simply having identified a suitable group of people from our database for an external researcher, being asked to complete questionnaires or surveys, through to being a research site recruiting to a Clinical Trial of a new medication or treatment.
All clinical research is approved by ethical committees, thus ensuring it is appropriate and safe to perform
How can you help and take part?
You may be sent information via a text, email or through the post if we feel you are suitable for a study. You will always receive clear information about what taking part in research may involve and will be given the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further details about a study. If you do agree to take part in a study, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
You are under no obligation to participate in any research study you are invited to join.
Your relationship with the surgery team will not be affected in any way if you decide not to take part in a research study.
You will always receive full, clear information about what the research study would involve. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further details about a study before consenting to take part.
If you would like to opt out of your confidential patient data being used for clinical research and planning, please complete an NHS ‘Opt out’ form by following the link Make your choice about sharing data from your health records – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Research links
There is information about research for patients on NHS website
National campaigns include www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk
Sign up to receive information about research studies you may be interested in joining Research or the Future of Be a Part of Research. To find out more, visit Researchforthefuture.org or https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/