According to the NHS Constitution, research is a fundamental function of the NHS. Clinical research drives innovation and is essential for maintaining and enhancing high standards of patient care. Through clinical research, patients gain access to new treatments, interventions, and medicines. Investment in research translates into better and more cost-effective care for patients.

In 2006, the Department of Health established the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to enhance the nation’s health and wealth through research. The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) was created to provide the NHS with the necessary infrastructure to set up and conduct high-quality research efficiently and effectively.

Watership Down Medical is an active research Surgery. We collaborate closely with the Wessex Clinical Research Network conducting non-commercial clinical studies within our practice. Many of these studies are coordinated through Southampton University and the NIHR School of Primary Care Research.

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 for training and research
• It offers mentorship and support to those involved in research within the practice

How can you help and take part?

There are various ways a patient can become involved in studies at Watership Down Medical:

• A doctor or nurse may talk to you about a particular study and ask whether you would be interested in participating
• You may be sent information through the post or via text 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 the surgery or talking to your GP

All clinical research carried out at our surgeries is thoroughly checked and approved by ethical committees thus ensuring it is 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.

Currently recruiting studies:

• ATHENA (Shingles study) – Can amitriptyline prevent post-herpetic neuralgia?
• TIGER Trial of food allergy (IgE) tests for eczema relief in young children (3 month – 2 years).
• RELOAD This study aims to develop a smartphone app that can predict whether someone with a coughing illness is likely to get worse by analysing breathing and speaking sounds.

Studies coming to the surgery soon:

Acne Care Online  An online programme aims to create and test online toolkit to support young people effectively treat their acne.

If you have any quired regarding research at the surgery, then please don’t hesitate to contact the research team at hiowicb-hsi.wdhresearch@nhs.net. Please note this inbox is not monitored daily and if the matter is clinically urgent please contact the surgery by phone.

If you would like to opt out of receiving research invitations or NHS data sharing you can do so on the NHS Website.