The Village Practice actively supports clinical research studies within primary care.
We are a Research practice and work with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Clinical Research Network (CRN) North West Coast.
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.
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 which is held by The Village Practices Research Team. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is the international guideline and standard to which all NHS research is conducted.
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, asthma 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 Research at The Village 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.
We are very grateful to any of our patients that have taken part in these studies in the past and would encourage patients to become involved in Research in the future.