Research is an essential part of the NHS, and key to the enhancement and improvement of knowledge, so we can find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and illness, along with the development of better care pathways and the better management of conditions.

The majority of research in the NHS is currently carried out in secondary care (hospitals), with very little primary care (GP Practice) involvement. As a result, the quality of research in the NHS can be restricted in its scope by a smaller patient base and the range of conditions and experiences which present in hospital settings.

There is a drive nationally to shift health care research in to Primary Care also.

National Institute for Health and Care Research | NIHR

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to enable the health and care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England. 

Local arms of the NHIR exist, currently known as the Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDN) to support the infrastructure needed for the NHS to deliver high quality, robust research and to contribute to the NIHR’s mission to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

Our PCN is part of the North West Coast Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) and we are working with them to ensure that our patients have the opportunity to get involved in research if they choose to.

To find out more about the NIHR Clinical Research Network go to their website.

Why get involved in research?

There are a variety of different reasons why you may want to take part in research, such as:

• making a difference by helping to improve treatments and quality of life, now and for future generations
• access to new treatments
• supporting health research for a particular condition or disease that you care about
• making a difference by helping to improve treatments and quality of life, now and for future generations
• allows practice staff to develop research skills and knowledge
• keeps practice staff up to date with the newest developments in health care research

To gain a better understanding, watch the short video below:

We receive alerts frequently for NHS approved research studies looking to recruit participants from the RRDN.

We review each study to find out if it is relevant to our patient population and if it is something we would like to and are able to deliver.

We will introduce research studies to eligible patients, either by:

• speaking to you when you attend surgery for an appointment
• invitation by text / email / letter
• phone call from a PCN staff member

In addition to the above all our GP Practices have a Research Notice Board in their patient waiting area. This will display posters promoting various research studies. There will be contact details on each poster should you wish to investigate further.

• All health and social care research that involves patients must have obtained all relevant NHS ethical and governance approvals and permissions, including any local permissions that are required. This ensures that the rights, safety, dignity and well being of research participants are protected.
  
• Participation in any research is entirely voluntary and you are free to withdraw at any stage should you change your mind.
  
• Choosing to participating in research or not, will not affect your care.