Clinical Research

Ultimately, clinical research means patients get access to new treatments, interventions and medicines. Investment in research means better, more cost effective care for patients.

In 2006 the Department of Health set up The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to improve the health and wealth of the nation through Research. 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 efficiently and effectively.

19 Beaumont Street surgery is part of a network of local practices participating in research activities under the banner of CRN Thames Valley and South Midlands. To find out more about the work of the NIHR Clinical Research Network go to www.crn.nihr.ac.uk

What is Primary Care Research?

Primary Care refers to patient interactions with healthcare professionals including as GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists and dentists. A wide range of research studies look at:

• Promoting a healthier lifestyle
• Disease diagnosis and prevention
• Management of long-term illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension
• Prevention of future ill-health
• Treating common conditions such as tonsillitis or influenza

What are the benefits of being a research practice?

Evidence suggests that patients who receive care in research-active institutions have better health outcomes than those who are treated in a non-research environment. By joining the research community, we are actively helping to improve the standard of healthcare for our patients. It also provides an opportunity for patients to better understand their health conditions and give something back to the NHS and wider community. Sometimes it can provide access to new treatments, and brings a new dimension to practice and added skills to those involved. The practice receives funding to cover the additional costs of taking part in research (it does not come out of our own budget and so routine patient services are not affected).

How can you help and take part?

There are various ways a patient can become involved in research at 19 Beaumont Street surgery:

• You may be told about a particular study and asked whether you would be interested in participating as part of a consultation
• You may be sent information through the post 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

What else do I need to know?

All clinical research carried out at 19 Beaumont Street surgery is thoroughly checked and approved by ethical committees ensuring it is appropriate and safe to perform. You will always receive clear information about what taking part in a research study would involve and will have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further details about a study.

Your participation is entirely voluntary and can be withdrawn by yourself at any time without any explanation required. You are under no obligation to participate in any research project, and your care and your relationship with your doctor or nurse will not be affected in any way if you decided not to take part in a research study.

If you do agree to take part in a study you will be asked to sign a consent form. This will clearly state which parts of your notes (if any) may be looked at for the purposes of the research study. Nobody from outside this practice will be given your contact details or have access to your medical records without your prior consent.

The number of research studies you might be eligible for and contacted about is likely to very small, however if you would prefer not to receive any information please let reception know who will pass this on to our research GP.

More information?

Dr Helen Ashdown is the Lead GP for Research and Dr Simon Curtis is the responsible GP partner.

Comprehensive information about research for patients and the public can be found by accessing the links below:

• The National Institute for Health Research - Clinical Research Network
• National institute for Health and Research: CRN: Primary Care speciality