Clinical Research
Clinical Research
We actively support clinical research within primary care. The NHS Constitution states that research is a core function of the NHS. Clinical Research is a major driver of innovation and central to NHS practice for maintaining and developing high standards of patient care.
As an NHS patient at Narrowcliff surgery, you may be approached to participate in a clinical trial. We participate in NHS, HRA and ethics committee approved studies to ensure you are receiving the highest standard of care possible. In this practice we use electronic records, enabling us to perform searches for specific conditions and you may be identified as a potential study candidate by this method. The information is completely confidential.
The aim of a clinical trial is to provide evidence to know which treatments work best, without trials this is not possible and it is important to remember that many treatments that you may have received will have been tested in clinical trials. Our team can provide information and answer questions that you may have, to help you decide whether or not to take part in a trial. Ultimately, clinical research means patients get access to new treatments, interventions and medicines. Investment in research means better, more cost effective care for patients.
As a practice we are supported in the set up and delivery of this research by experienced NIHR CRN staff who work as part of our practice team. These staff, as part of the practice team, will be able to access your patient record to identify if you would be eligible to participate in research opportunities, support recruitment and follow up activity related to clinical trials.
The following sites provide more information.
Information from the NHS about clinical trials:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-trials/
Medical Research Council:
National Institute of Health Research:
What are the Benefits of GP practices taking part in research?
- It offers patients access to new treatments
- It brings new dimension to practice and added skills to our clinical team
- It provides national gold standard training for research
- It offers mentorship and support to those involved
How can you help and take part?
You can get involved in studies through several routes:
- A doctor or nurse may talk to you about a particular study and ask whether you would be interested in participating
- You may be sent information if we feel you may be a suitable participant
- You may read information about a current study in the patient waiting room or on the surgery website and wish to take part by contacting us
On occasion we may contact patients via text messaging to invite you to be involved in potential studies. If you wish to be exempt from being contacted for this purpose please let the surgery team know. If you chose to take part it is greatly appreciated and it will make a difference. However, should you choose not to after being approached, we apologise in advance and thank you for giving it some consideration
Your participation in research is entirely voluntary and can be withdrawn by yourself at any time without any explanation required.
Your care and your relationship with your doctor will not be affected in any way if you decided not to take part in a research study
You will always receive clear information about what taking part in a research study would involve. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further details about a study.
Join Dementia Research - a place to register your interest in taking part in vital dementia research
What happens when you register?
When you sign up to Join Dementia Research, the information you provide is used to match you to studies you may be able to take part in, both online, nationally and in your local area. The service connects registered volunteers with dementia researchers across the UK who are looking for people to join their studies.
You can review your study matches once you register and then it’s your decision whether to take part. Taking part means you will make a real difference to the future of dementia care, diagnosis and treatment
