Supporting research in primary care 

We are a research-active practice and take part in studies run by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as well as some commercial research studies. The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and is the research arm of the NHS.

We are part of the Yorkshire & Humber Clinical Research Network (CRN) and work closely with them to offer research opportunities to our patients. Research helps doctors and scientists understand the causes of illnesses, develop better treatments and services, and improve the care patients receive. In simple terms, it helps us find better ways to keep people healthy and care for those who are unwell.

The funding for our research activity comes from the individual research studies and the Clinical Research Network. This means it does not come from the practice’s own budget and does not affect the services we provide to our patients.

All staff involved in carrying out research complete Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. This ensures that all NHS research is carried out safely, ethically and to the highest standards.

LOCAL PRACTICES PARTICIPATING IN RESEARCH

Greenwood PCN is made up of ten GP practices, three of which are currently active in delivering research studies:

• Birkby health centre
• Croft medical centre
• Grange group practice 

WHAT IS PRIMARY CARE RESEARCH

The Clinical Research Network (CRN) Primary Care speciality works with researchers and healthcare professionals such as GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists and dentists to support the delivery of research studies within the NHS.

These studies help improve how we prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses in primary care. A wide range of research is supported, including studies that focus on:

• Promoting healthier lifestyles
• Diagnosing and preventing diseases
• Managing long-term conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Preventing future ill health
• Treating common conditions such as tonsillitis or influenza
• COVID-19 and other infectious diseases

Research in primary care plays an important role in improving treatments, services and patient outcomes across the NHS.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GP PRACTICES TAKING PART IN RESEARCH

• New treatments and processes are tested with all populations in all areas of the country
• Patients often get access to quicker diagnosis and novel treatments
• GP practices keep abreast of the most up to date research and recommendations for practice

GETTING INVOLVED IN RESEARCH

Your participation in any research 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.

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.

TAKING PART IN RESEARCH

There are several ways you may be invited to take part in a research study:

• A member of our practice team may speak to you about a study and ask if you would be interested in participating.
• You may receive information by post if we think you might be suitable for a particular study.
• You may see information about current studies in the practice waiting room or on our website and choose to contact us to find out more.

All clinical research is carefully reviewed and approved by universities and, where appropriate, NHS Research Ethics Committees. This ensures that studies are appropriate, safe to carry out, and that patients are fully informed and protected.

If you are invited to take part in a study, you will always receive clear information explaining what participation involves. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the study before deciding whether to take part.

If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This will explain exactly what information may be used for the research. Your confidentiality is very important to us—no one outside the practice will be given your contact details or access to your medical records without your permission.

You can find more information about health research by visiting the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) website (https://www.nihr.ac.uk/). There is also helpful information about research for patients on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-trials/.

We are very grateful to the patients who have taken part in research studies in the past. Their involvement helps improve healthcare for everyone, and we welcome patients who may wish to take part in future studies.

Why am I getting letters to take part in research?

Greenwood PCN and our practice take part in research because we believe patients should have the opportunity to access the latest treatments and developments in healthcare.

Some treatments being studied are still in the research phase and are not yet routinely available on the NHS. By taking part in research studies, patients may have the opportunity to access these new treatments and approaches.

Research also helps the NHS continue to improve care by finding better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illness. Patient involvement plays a vital role in helping develop the treatments and services of the future.

Do I have to take part in research and if I don't it will affect my care?

No, you do not need to take part in research and if you decide not to take part it will not affect the quality of your care or your relationship with your GP or the practice. You can opt out of any single trial and you can opt out of all research if that is best for you. If you want to opt out please let your practice know and we will ensure you are not called again. Importantly, please ensure the practice knows whether you are opting out for a single trial (you have had a letter for) or for all future research work.

Does my practice sell or give my data to other research companies?

No – We understand that your personal data is very important and will never share this without your specific consent. We do run research studies for private research companies and we do this because they are trying to do important research that is good for patients. We do not sell or give them your data but we will run searches of patient’s notes and then we will send you a letter telling you about the research company and how to contact them, if you are interested. The companies do not know who has been sent a letter unless you decide to take part and contact them.

I have been sent a letter about a research study that says I have ‘vitamin deficieny’ or other condition, I did not know I had. Why has this happened?

We run computer searches of all our patients’ notes looking for ‘diagnosis codes of conditions’ in your notes which match the research we are doing. Most patients will know that they have, say diabetes or angina. On occasion they may have skin conditions or things like "vitamin deficiency" that have been diagnosed, and diagnosis code added to their record and they may either not be aware of the medical name for the condition or think of it under another name. This happens because a diagnosis may be in the records from a hospital letter or X-ray result. An example may be dermatitis – this can be known as eczema, contact dermatitis or atrophic dermatitis.

I have contacted my practice and the reception staff seemed to have no idea about the research invitation?

We try to run research studies centrally and send the letters out from one designated clinician and admin member and we try our best to ensure that all our clinical and reception staff are aware of letters and the latest trials but there is often a lot going on in the practice and so sometimes staff are not as up to date as they should be. We are improving this by putting up a notice on the research noticeboard in every practice.