NHS Research Practice
Hawthorn Medical Centre is an NHS research active practice.
We are an NIHR (National Institute of Health Research) level 1 research practice which means that we undertake several NHS research studies each year.
This means that our patients, if suitable, may be asked to take part in research studies. By doing this research in a General Practice setting, rather than just in hospital patients, the results can be more easily applied to the whole UK population rather than just to select groups.
So, what does all this mean for patients?
You may be contacted from time to time about taking part in a study.
If you are asked about taking part in research, someone in the care team looking after you will look at your health records to see whether you are eligible to take part before asking you whether you are interested or sending you a letter. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or to give your opinion to researchers during interviews.
Many patients have found taking part in research gives them the opportunity to benefit from cutting edge NHS care as well as the satisfaction of knowing they are helping others.
You are free to choose whether or not to take part in any research study you are approached about.
Your care and your relationship with your doctor will not be affected in any way if you decide not to take part in a research study.
Current trials we are involved in
ATTACK (Aspirin To Target Arterial Events in Chronic Kidney Disease)
It is estimated that there are at least 5million people with chronic kidney disease in the UK that are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease – this trial should give the evidence required to prove one way or the other whether aspirin should be offered to our patients with chronic kidney disease to prevent heart disease or a stroke.
ARAPAHO (Association Between Research Activity and Patient Outcomes)
Research is really important to improve quality, by helping the NHS find better ways of delivering care. Evidence suggests that when NHS hospitals take part in research, the fact that they take part may lead to better quality care for the patients in that hospital, even while the research is being done. However, most of this evidence of the link between research activity and quality comes from hospitals. If taking part in research improved quality in general practice, the benefits could be large, but we cannot assume that any link we find in hospitals will be the same in general practice. The study aims to answer the following questions:
- How might taking part in research improve quality?
- What do patients and staff think makes a good ‘research practice?’
- What are the impacts on patients and staff from being in a research practice?
The study team are conducting interviews with staff and patients.
Further queries?
Our research lead is Dr Sinead Millwood. If you have any questions about research at Hawthorn Medical Centre you can contact her by emailing cmccg.hawthorn@nhs.net.
