As a Research practice, we are always keeping an eye out for studies that we and our patients can take part in. These could be on a wide range of subjects from short questionnaires about our practice to longer studies that span over a number of years to monitor patient symptoms and outcomes of treatment. Any patients who meet the criteria of any given study will be contacted by the practice to see if they would like to take part.

We are an RSI (Research Site initiative) level 2 practice which means that we have to complete a minimum of 5 studies throughout the year. To do this we have staff working across the practice to support research studies from administrators to nurses and GP’s. The clinical lead for research is Dr Jo Warcaba.

Have you taken part in research?

Let us know about your experience and help us make research even better by taking part in our short survey here.

Studies we are taking part in this year

• The GLAD study – This stands for Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression. In this study, patients who have opted to take part help us to understand if there are genetic links that could lead to Depression and Anxiety.
• MPK Study – The study looks at patients who have had a total knee replacement and are using Microprocessor knee joints to monitor their use and effectiveness for those patient
• iD study – a research study designed to see if nasal sprays, getting active and reducing stress help people to get fewer and less severe infections such as flu, colds and similar respiratory infections. Patients can ask to speak to the research team for information
• Nationally there is the GRAIL study which a large number of our patients are taking part in (large in terms of research recruitment) and the PANORAMIC study. GRAIL Study – which is a blood test that has the potential to detect over 50 kinds of cancer and aims to detect cancers earlier by looking for abnormal DNA shed from cancer cells into the blood. Eligible patients will have been contacted by the national study team. Patients can click here to find out more and how to take part.
• The Interact Study – A survey sent to all patients (excluding certain groups) to gather information around Measuring Loneliness for patients over the age of 18 to better understand how we can tackle the issue nationally
• HipDys Trail – This study looks at the way GP’s check for hip dysplasia in newborn babies at their 6 week checks. GP’s in intervention practices are given an enhanced checklist to complete with each baby, and control practices continue their usual practices against best practice guidelines. The results will then be compared to see if the enhanced checklist results in earlier diagnosis of hip dysplasia. We have been assigned as a control practice.
• Profile Study – In this study we are supporting research teams to look at genetic profiling and the correlation with prostate cancer screening and treatment. The study looks to understand why some men, including black men, are at higher risk of prostate cancer. Patients will be invited by the practice if they fit eligibility criteria.
• Domestic Violence Study – This study will raise awareness about DVA and help establish the prevalence of DVA in the community. Patients were sent an SMS survey to complete (certain groups of patients did not receive this for safeguarding).
• Diabetic foot study “MI Foot”
• Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium – It is believed that people with Down syndrome are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than the general population because protein deposits associated with these conditions are made by a gene on the 21st chromosome. This study looks to invite patients with Down syndrome to take part in a variety of study activities to better understand the correlation between the two.

Upcoming studies we will be working on this year

• SAFER Trail – The trial aims to test whether screening at home for a common heart rate condition, atrial fibrillation (AF) would prevent people having strokes and heart attacks. We will be inviting patients who are eligible in dur course.
• D-MED Study – This research aims to help clinical practice staff with prescribing responsibilities to reduce the proportion of potentially inappropriate diabetes medications prescribed in older people with type 2 diabetes and frailty. The practice will either be assigned as a Intervention or Control practice and we are in the process of confirming practice participation on this study.

All of the studies we take part in we choose because we believe that they can have or may lead to better care and understanding of clinical needs for our patients and for our staff.

We will never use patient information for research purposes without the expressed consent of the patient and you will always be contacted prior to your information being given to research teams.

If you are interested in working with national research teams to take part in studies which you may be eligible for, you can now sign up to be notified of potential eligibility for trials on the NHS App. Many studies are questionnaires or lifestyle changes, and no not always require medication changes or invasive testing. Patients ALWAYS have a choice whether to take part in a study and can opt out of a study at any time.

Did you know that the NHS is involved in Health Research?

This video is from the Clinical Research Network.