GP Research – Supporting Research in Primary Care
Brierley Park Medical Group supports clinical research studies in Primary Care, as research is a core function of the NHS, driving innovation and maintaining high patient care standards. Investment in research results in better, more cost-effective care for patients.
In 2006, the Department of Health established the National Institute for Health Research to create a world-class health system within the NHS, with the Clinical Research Network as part of this wider organization.
To find out more about the work of the NIHR Clinical Research Network go to National Institute for Health and Care Research | NIHR
Primary Care Research FAQs
What is Primary Care Research?
The RRDN Primary Care Speciality collaborates with researchers and primary care practitioners to ensure successful delivery of research studies in the NHS.
The studies focus on promoting healthier lifestyles, disease diagnosis and prevention, managing long-term illnesses, preventing future ill-health, and treating common conditions like tonsillitis or influenza.
What are the benefits of GP practices taking part in Research?
- It offers patients access to new treatments
- It brings a new dimension to practice and added skills to those involved
- It provides national gold standard training for research
How can you help and take part?
There are many various ways a patient can become involved in studies:
- 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.
All clinical research carried out 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Your participation is entirely voluntary and can be withdrawn by yourself at any time without an explanation required.
You are not obligated to participate in any research project, and your care and relationship with your doctor or nurse will not be affected.
Clear information about the study’s involved tasks will be provided, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain more details.
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to sign a consent form, which clearly states which parts of your notes may be looked at for the research study.
No one from outside this Practice will have access to your medical notes without your prior consent.
Current Research Opportunities
MELS – Multi Ethnic Lifestyle Study
The aim of the research is to explore how different lifestyle behaviours present in a population made up of different ethnic backgrounds, and to understand how certain lifestyle behaviours might cluster together and how this impacts upon health. The study will explore how different lifestyle behaviours and socio-demographic factors, such as someone’s age, ethnicity or where they live, occur in people who are generally healthy and those who have long term conditions. The study will now also look at how COVID-19 may have affected lifestyle behaviours.
If you are over the age of 18 and wish to participate in the study please read carefully the patient participation leaflet attached and complete the questionnaire online.
Surviving Crying
Around a fifth of infants cry excessively during the first four months after birth, often referred to as “colic” and attributed to indigestion. Only 5% of infants hospitalized due to excessive crying are unwell.
This crying can cause distress to parents, leading to maternal depression, poor parent-child relationships, child development issues, and even abuse. To address this issue, NHS services have been developed to support parents whose babies cry excessively.
The Surviving Crying intervention includes a website, booklet, and/or CBT-based sessions. A cluster randomized controlled trial will compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of usual NHS services.
ADC-US-RES-24259
We are looking for people aged 2 years old and above, including pregnant females, who are willing to wear a new FreeStyle Libre Monitoring System and have one of the following:
* Type 1 diabetes, including those with chronic kidney disease or heart failure.
* Type 2 diabetes, including those with chronic kidney disease or heart failure.
* Gestational diabetes.
* Heart failure.
Participation in the study will last for just over two weeks and during this time you, or your child, will be asked to wear a sensor and complete a daily wellbeing diary. You, or your child, will also have at least two clinic visits; one at the start and one at the end of participation in the study.
At the start of the study a small sensor will be applied to your or your child’s arm. The sensor will be worn for approximately 15 days.
During the study, you or your child will also be asked to:
- Give a venous or capillary blood sample for a diabetes related laboratory test.
- Have in-person visits at the start and end of participation in the study.
- Complete a wellbeing diary every day during participation in the study.
- There will be reimbursement for time and any reasonable travel costs associated with attending study visits.
Starfish Study
We are looking for people with sudden hearing loss.
If you think your herding has suddenly dropped, you should seek advice and assessment from your GP or local emergency department.
the starfish trial team are looking at the best treatment for sudden hearing loss, and you could be eligible to join.
Contact the Study Team
Please get in contact with the study team using the form below.