At Watership Down Health, we are committed to supporting evidence-based healthcare through participation in high-quality research. Our research activities help improve patient outcomes, contribute to medical knowledge, and shape the future of primary care. We have a number of research partnerships including the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the University of Oxford.
Active studies
Study – RSC Respiratory Virology Surveillance Study
- Status: Recruiting
- Summary: The RSC Respiratory Virology Surveillance Study is part of the Oxford–RCGP Research and Surveillance Centre network. The study monitors the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), by collecting nose and throat swabs from patients with recent respiratory symptoms. The results help UK public health agencies monitor circulating viruses, assess vaccine effectiveness, and identify emerging respiratory infections.
- Who can participate? Patients presenting to participating GP practices with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection that started within the previous 7 days may be invited to take part. Eligibility is determined by the practice and study protocol.
- Documents:
- Documents regarding the surveillance sampling are available the website: https://orchid.phc.ox.ac.uk/files/resources/virology-patient-information-sheet-2025-26.pdf
- A link to videos is: https://takeatestuk.com/phe-home
- Contact: Our practice research team for further information.
Join Dementia Research (JDR)
- Status: Recruiting
- Summary: Join Dementia Research (JDR) is a UK-wide research registry that helps people with dementia, those at risk of dementia, carers, and healthy volunteers find and take part in dementia research studies. After registering, volunteers may be contacted about studies they are eligible for based on their preferences and location.
- Who can participate? People with a diagnosis of dementia, people with memory concerns or at increased risk of dementia, carers, and healthy volunteers aged 18 years and over who are interested in taking part in dementia research. Eligibility for individual studies varies.
- Contact: www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk
Study – DaRe2THINK
- Status: Recruiting
- Summary: DaRe2THINK is an NHS-embedded clinical trial investigating whether starting newer blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) earlier in people with atrial fibrillation (AF) can reduce the risk of stroke, blood clots, cognitive decline, and dementia. The study also aims to test a new way of running clinical trials through GP practices using routinely collected NHS data, without requiring additional hospital visits.
- Who can participate? Patients with atrial fibrillation who meet the study’s eligibility criteria and are registered with a GP practice participating in the DaRe2THINK trial. Eligible patients are invited directly by their GP practice.
- Documents: DaRe2THINK website: https://www.dare2think.org/ [dare2think.org]
- Contact: Our practice research team for further information.
Study – FluSNIFF-Toddler
- Status: Recruiting
- Summary: FluSNIFF-Toddler is an NHS clinical trial investigating whether the nasal spray flu vaccine (Fluenz®), which is routinely offered to children aged 2 years and over, is safe for children aged 12–23 months. Researchers hope the study will provide the evidence needed to extend protection against seasonal flu to younger toddlers.
- Who can participate? Children aged 12–23 months who meet the study eligibility criteria and are registered with a participating GP practice. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the nasal flu vaccine or a placebo nasal spray at their first visit, with follow-up to monitor safety.
- Document: on the NIHR Be Part of Research study page, https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/trial-details/trial-detail?trialId=58545
- Contact: The FluSNIFF-Toddler study team via your participating GP practice.
TRANSFORM
- Status: Recruiting
- Summary: TRANSFORM (Trial of Randomised Approaches for National Screening for Men) is a major UK research trial designed to find a safer and more accurate way of screening men for prostate cancer. There is currently no national prostate-cancer screening programme in the UK.
It is looking at combinations of:
- PSA blood testing
- Genetic risk testing
- Fast MRI scans
- Other risk-based approaches. The aim is to detect aggressive prostate cancers early, while reducing unnecessary biopsies and treatment for cancers that would not cause harm.
- Who can take part? The important thing is that you generally cannot simply sign yourself up. Men are invited through participating GP practices. The trial has begun sending invitations. The study is particularly interested in men in the age range where prostate-cancer screening could be useful, and the programme has specifically expanded recruitment to Black men aged 45–74, who have a higher risk of prostate cancer. It also wants to include men from different backgrounds and men with increased risk, such as those with a family history.
- What happens if you’re invited? You would be given information about the study and asked whether you want to participate. Depending on the study group, screening could involve a PSA blood test, genetic testing and/or MRI, with further investigation if results suggest increased risk
- Document: prostatecanceruk.org/research/transform-trial
- Contact: The study team will be in touch.
DAISY
- Status: currently not recruiting
- Summary: UK randomised controlled trial looking at Stepping Stones Online, a digital parenting-support programme for parents/carers of children with intellectual disabilities or developmental delay.
The researchers want to find out whether the online programme can:
- Improve behavioural and emotional difficulties in the child.
- Improve parent/carer wellbeing.
- Reduce parenting stress and improve family relationships.
It is funded by the NIHR and is being run by researchers including the University of Birmingham and Cardiff University. The study is currently active and runs into 2029.
- Who can take part? The study is looking for parent carers of a child aged 2–11 years who has an intellectual disability/learning disability or developmental delay
Contacts: nativveresearch.com/participate/daisy
Completed studies
[These to be uploaded once we have any Completed Studies to share]
Get involved in research
Research helps to improve healthcare by developing new treatments, improving services, and finding better ways to prevent, diagnose and manage illness. Taking part in research is entirely voluntary and can help shape the future of care for patients locally and across the NHS.
For patients
- Why participate?
By taking part in research, you can contribute to medical knowledge and help improve treatments for future patients. Some studies may also offer access to new approaches to care, additional health monitoring, or the opportunity to share your experiences to improve services.
- Benefits and risks
Every research study is different. Potential benefits may include helping others, supporting advances in healthcare, and learning more about your condition. There may also be risks or inconveniences, such as side effects, extra appointments, or additional tests. The research team on a specific study will explain all potential benefits and risks before you decide whether to take part.
- Opting Out
For any patients who have already signed a Type 1 Opt Out, then we will not call you for any Studies.
Meet the research team
- Research Clinical Lead – Dr Kate Hughes
- Research Nurse – Faye Collins
- Support Staff – This may be carried out by staff associated with a particular study
Frequently asked questions
What is clinical research?
Clinical research helps improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and health conditions. It involves carefully planned studies that may look at new medicines, medical devices, healthcare services or ways of delivering care. Research is an important part of advancing healthcare and ensuring patients receive the safest and most effective treatments possible.
Will taking part affect my care at Watership Down Health?
No. Choosing whether or not to take part in a research study will not affect the quality of care you receive. Your healthcare team at Watership Down Health will continue to provide the same standard of treatment and support. If you decide to participate, the research team for the specific study will work closely with your clinical team to ensure your care remains appropriate and safe.
How is my data protected?
Your privacy and confidentiality are extremely important. Any personal information collected during a research study is handled in accordance with data protection legislation and NHS policies. Information is stored securely, and wherever possible your details will be anonymised or coded so that you cannot be identified in research results or publications.
Can I leave a study at any time?
Yes. Taking part in research is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from a study at any time without giving a reason. Deciding to leave a study will not affect your on-going healthcare at Watership Down Health as long as you remain registered with us as a patient living within our boundary area or your relationship with your healthcare team and usual GP. The research team for the specific study will explain what happens if you choose to withdraw and answer any questions you may have.