Supporting Research in Primary Care
At North House Surgery we work collaboratively with local and national research organisations to promote and support research within the NHS. We are not currently actively involved in carrying out research ourselves but do support any research our patients participate in.
Research in the NHS
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.
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.
North House Surgery is part of a network of local practices participating in research activities. 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. Primary 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
How can you help and take part?
There are various ways a patient can become involved in research:
- You may be told by your GP or consultant about a particular study and asked whether you would be interested in participating
- You may be sent information through the post from the NHS if you are identified be a suitable participant for a study
- You may read information about a study and wish to take part
What else do I need to know?
All clinical research carried out in the NHS is 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.
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 agree to take part in a study you will be asked to sign a consent form. This will clearly state which parts of your medical records held by your GP or by a hospital (if any) may be looked at for the specific purposes of the research study. Nobody from outside the organisation doing the research will be given your details or have access to your medical information without your prior consent.
More information?
Further information about research for patients and the public can be found here:
The National Institute for Health Research- Clinical Research Network: Clinical Research Network | NIHR
Clinical Research Network Yorkshire and Humber: CRN Yorkshire and Humber (nihr.ac.uk)
Be part of Research: Be Part Of Research (nihr.ac.uk)