Research is essential in helping us understand which treatments and approaches work best for patients. Don Valley Healthcare is committed to supporting high-quality clinical research within primary care, helping to improve healthcare services and outcomes for our patients and communities. Dr Grimwood is our Clinical Research Lead.

The NHS Constitution states that research is a core function of the NHS. Clinical research is a major driver of innovation and plays a central role in maintaining and developing high standards of patient care across the NHS.

Clinical research provides patients with opportunities to access new treatments, interventions, and medicines. Investment in research contributes to better, more effective, and more cost-efficient healthcare for everyone.

In 2006, the Department of Health established the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to create a world-class health research system within the NHS. The Clinical Research Network (CRN) forms part of this wider organisation, supporting the delivery of research studies across healthcare settings, including primary care.

What is Primary Care Research?

The CRN Primary Care speciality works collaboratively with researchers and primary care professionals, including GPs, practice nurses, and pharmacists, to support the successful delivery of research studies within the NHS.

Research studies may focus on:

• Promoting healthier lifestyles
• Disease diagnosis and prevention
• Management of long-term conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
• Prevention of future ill health
• Treatment of common conditions

What are the Benefits of Taking Part in Research?

Research benefits both patients and healthcare services by:

• Providing access to new treatments and interventions
• Supporting improvements in patient care and outcomes
• Developing additional skills and knowledge for healthcare professionals
• Offering nationally recognised research training opportunities
• Providing mentorship and support for staff involved in research activities

How Can You Take Part?

There are several ways patients may become involved in research studies:

• A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional may discuss a study with you and ask whether you would be interested in participating.
• You may receive information by post, text message, email, or telephone if you are identified as potentially eligible for a study.
• You may see information about current research opportunities on our website or within our practices and choose to express an interest in taking part.

Important Information

• Funding for research activities is provided through the Clinical Research Network and associated research organisations. This funding does not come from practice budgets and does not affect the delivery of routine patient services.
• All clinical research studies undergo rigorous ethical and regulatory review to ensure they are appropriate, safe, and conducted to the highest standards.
• Participation in research is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw from a study at any time without providing a reason.
• You are under no obligation to take part in any research project.
• Your care, treatment, and relationship with your healthcare professionals will not be affected in any way if you choose not to participate.
• You will always receive clear information about what participation involves and will have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to take part.
• If you agree to participate, you will be asked to provide informed consent. This will explain how your information may be used as part of the study. No one outside your healthcare team will be given access to your contact details or medical records without your explicit consent, unless required by law.

Further Information

If you have any queries about research opportunities within Don Valley Healthcare, please contact:

syicb-doncaster.dvh@nhs.net

Hep C Patient Advice Document