Research
We are actively supporting clinical research studies 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. Ultimately, clinical research means patients get access to new treatments, interventions and medicines. Investment in research means better, more cost effective care for patients. We at Eastham aim to support research as we believe in helping to improve care for patients.
What is Primary Care Research?
The CRN Primary Care speciality works in collaboration with researchers and primary care practitioners such as GPs’, practice nurses, pharmacists and dentists to promote the successful delivery of research studies in the NHS. A wide range of research studies are supported which 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 GP practices taking part in research?
- It offers patients access to new treatments
- It brings new dimension to practice and added skills to those involved
- It provides national gold standard training for research
- It offers mentorship and support to those involved in research within practice
How can you help and take part?
There are various ways a patient can become involved in studies at Eastham Group Practice
- A doctor or nurse or care navigator may talk to you about a particular study and ask whether you would be interested in participating
- You may receive a text message from the practice asking whether you would like to participate in research.
- 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 by contacting your GP or the Research Nurse
All clinical research carried out at our surgeries are thoroughly checked and approved by ethical committees thus ensuring they ae appropriate and safe to perform. Your participation is entirely voluntary and can be withdrawn by yourself at any time without any explanation required.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.
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.
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.
Research Changes Lives
Research can save lives, find new treatments and help people be healthier and happier for longer.
Doctors, nurses and other health and social care professionals learn more by doing research. But this is only possible when people , including children and young people ,take part in research studies.
In fact, last year, nearly three quarters of a million people took part in health and social care research.
Why take part?
- You may want to improve health and care for everyone, or because someone you care about has an illness
- If you have an illness or condition , you might be able to try a new treatment
- You might learn more about your condition
- Your health may be monitored more if you take part in some studies
- You will help researchers learn important new information
