GP Research
Millway Medical Practice actively support 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.
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
In 2006, the Department of Health set up The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to improve the health and wealth of the nation through Research. The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) was introduced to provide the infrastructure to the NHS to allow high quality research to be set up and delivered efficiently and effectively.
Millway Medical Practice is in a network of local practices participating in research activities under the banner of Barnet Federated GPs. To find out more about the work of the NIHR Clinical Research Network visit their website: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/
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 Millway Medical Practice.
- 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 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 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.
Research Training – Good Clinical Practice for Research in Primary Care
A key requirement for anyone involved in the conduct of Clinical Research is Good Clinical Practice for Research (GCP) training. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is the international guideline and standard to which all NHS research is conducted.
Why do you need Research Training?
Everyone involved in the conduct of clinical research must have the necessary training and education in order to ensure they are competent to carry out their duties and responsibilities.
This is a requirement of the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care 2005. This policy covers all research within the NHS in England, and in law, for those people working on clinical trials.
The Principles of GCP states that: “Each individual involved in conducting a trial should be qualified by education, training and experience to perform his or her respective task(s)” (2.8, E6 Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice).
Dr Nikesh Patel (Research Lead) is a GCP trained member of staff at the practice and oversees all studies.