Research

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is the UK’s leading organization for funding, supporting, and delivering health and care research. It is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and works to improve the health and well-being of people by advancing medical knowledge, treatments, and healthcare practices.

1. Funds Research – The NIHR provides financial support for clinical trials, medical studies, and healthcare research to develop new treatments and improve patient care.
2. Supports the NHS – It ensures that research is embedded in the NHS, enabling patients to participate in studies and benefit from cutting-edge treatments.
3. Collaborates with Universities & Industry – The NIHR partners with academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare organizations to drive medical innovation.
4. Trains & Develops Researchers – It offers funding, training, and career development for healthcare professionals and scientists involved in research.
5. Improves Public Health & Social Care – Research extends beyond hospitals, covering community and social care settings to enhance overall public health.

Essentially, the NIHR plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare by ensuring that research translates into real-world improvements for patients and the NHS.

Everyone involved in conducting clinical research must receive the necessary training and education to ensure they are competent in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.
This requirement is outlined in the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care (2005), which applies to all research conducted within the NHS in England. For those working on clinical trials, it is also a legal obligation.

General practices (GPs) play a crucial role in medical research because they provide valuable insights into real-world healthcare. Research conducted in GP settings helps improve patient care, advance medical knowledge, and shape future treatments. Here’s why general practices engage in research:

1. Improving Patient Care

• Research enables GPs to identify better treatments, interventions, and prevention strategies for common conditions.
• Patients benefit from access to cutting-edge treatments and innovations before they become widely available.

2. Addressing Common Health Issues

• Many long-term conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, are managed in primary care.
• Research in GP settings helps develop more effective management strategies for these conditions.

3. Ensuring Treatments Are Effective in Everyday Settings

• Most people receive medical care from their GP rather than hospitals, so research in this setting ensures that treatments work in real-life situations, not just in controlled hospital environments.

4. Contributing to National and Global Health Advancements

• Data from GP-led studies contribute to national healthcare policies and global medical knowledge.
• Research helps identify public health trends, such as the effectiveness of vaccines or the impact of lifestyle factors on health.

5. Supporting Evidence-Based Medicine

• Research helps GPs make informed decisions based on the latest evidence rather than outdated practices.
• This ensures that patient care is constantly evolving and improving.

6. Professional Development for GPs and Staff

• Involvement in research keeps healthcare professionals at the forefront of medical advancements.
• It provides training and development opportunities, enhancing the overall quality of care in general practice.

• Dr Maarten Derks – Principal Investigator
• Dr Zayd Asmail – Sub Principal Investigator
• Jodie Button – Research Administration Manager
• Drae Brown – Research Administration Assistant
• Vicki Laws – Nursing Associate
• Michelle Harris – Healthcare Assistant

A member of the research team may contact you via telephone, SMS, letter or email to discuss any potential studies you may be eligible for.

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 the surgeries research manager, Jodie Button.