Supporting research in primary care
We are a research-active practice and take part in studies run by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as well as some commercial research studies. The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and is the research arm of the NHS.
We are part of the Yorkshire & Humber Clinical Research Network (CRN) and work closely with them to offer research opportunities to our patients. Research helps doctors and scientists understand the causes of illnesses, develop better treatments and services, and improve the care patients receive. In simple terms, it helps us find better ways to keep people healthy and care for those who are unwell.
The funding for our research activity comes from the individual research studies and the Clinical Research Network. This means it does not come from the practice’s own budget and does not affect the services we provide to our patients.
All staff involved in carrying out research complete Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. This ensures that all NHS research is carried out safely, ethically and to the highest standards.
Local practices participating in research
Greenwood PCN is made up of ten GP practices, three of which are currently active in delivering research studies:
Croft Medical Centre
Birkby Health Centre
Grange Group Practice
What is primary care research
The Clinical Research Network (CRN) Primary Care speciality works with researchers and healthcare professionals such as GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists and dentists to support the delivery of research studies within the NHS.
These studies help improve how we prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses in primary care. A wide range of research is supported, including studies that focus on:
Promoting healthier lifestyles
Diagnosing and preventing diseases
Managing long-term conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Preventing future ill health
Treating common conditions such as tonsillitis or influenza
COVID-19 and other infectious diseases
Research in primary care plays an important role in improving treatments, services and patient outcomes across the NHS.
What are the benefits of GP practices taking part in research
- New treatments and processes are tested with all populations in all areas of the country
- Patients often get access to quicker diagnosis and novel treatments
- GP practices keep abreast of the most up to date research and recommendations for practice
Getting involved in research
Your participation in any research 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 or nurse will not be affected in any way if you decided not to take part in a research study.
Taking part in research
There are several ways you may be invited to take part in a research study:
A member of our practice team may speak to you about a study and ask if you would be interested in participating.
You may receive information by post if we think you might be suitable for a particular study.
You may see information about current studies in the practice waiting room or on our website and choose to contact us to find out more.
All clinical research is carefully reviewed and approved by universities and, where appropriate, NHS Research Ethics Committees. This ensures that studies are appropriate, safe to carry out, and that patients are fully informed and protected.
If you are invited to take part in a study, you will always receive clear information explaining what participation involves. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the study before deciding whether to take part.
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This will explain exactly what information may be used for the research. Your confidentiality is very important to us - no one outside the practice will be given your contact details or access to your medical records without your permission.
You can find more information about health research by visiting the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) website: https://www.nihr.ac.uk. There is also helpful information about research for patients on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-trials/.
We are very grateful to the patients who have taken part in research studies in the past. Their involvement helps improve healthcare for everyone, and we welcome patients who may wish to take part in future studies.
Research opportunities
Do you or your child have eczema?
We are looking for children and adults with eczema, from all backgrounds, to take part in this research study.
To find out more, visit the study website or contact the study researcher by email.
Does your child have ADHD & sleep problems?
You can take part if:
✓ Your child is aged 6–12 years
✓ Your child has a diagnosis of ADHD (including ADD)
✓ Your child is experiencing sleep problems
✓ You can read and understand English without assistance
To find out more, visit the study website or contact the study researcher by phone or email.
Have you had a fall & couldn’t get back up? Did someone call 999?
We’d love to hear about your experience, or that of your friends or family.
Why it matters
After a fall, some people are unable to get up and may remain on the floor for a long time, known as a “long lie”. This study aims to understand its impact on health and how support can be improved.
What’s involved
Take part in up to two short interviews (around 30 minutes each), with the second taking place about 3 months later. You can choose to do one or both. You’ll receive a £25 high street voucher as a thank you.
Who’s running the study
University of Sheffield and Yorkshire Ambulance Service. The study is running nationwide from April 2024 to March 2026.I
To find out more contact the study researcher by phone or email.
Frequently asked questions
Greenwood PCN and our practice take part in research because we believe patients should have the opportunity to access the latest treatments and developments in healthcare.
Some treatments being studied are still in the research phase and are not yet routinely available on the NHS. By taking part in research studies, patients may have the opportunity to access these new treatments and approaches.
Research also helps the NHS continue to improve care by finding better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illness. Patient involvement plays a vital role in helping develop the treatments and services of the future.
No, you do not need to take part in research and if you decide not to take part it will not affect the quality of your care or your relationship with your GP or the practice. You can opt out of any single trial and you can opt out of all research if that is best for you. If you want to opt out please let your practice know and we will ensure you are not called again. Importantly, please ensure the practice knows whether you are opting out for a single trial (you have had a letter for) or for all future research work.
If you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment to another patient. To let us know you wish to cancel or change your appointment click here.
We run detailed analysis reports on patient records using coded clinical information to identify conditions that may be relevant to our research. In many cases, patients will already be aware of conditions such as diabetes or angina. However, there are occasions where a diagnosis such as a skin condition or vitamin deficiency has been recorded in your notes using its clinical term, which you may not recognise or may know by a different name.This can happen when information is added to your record from sources such as hospital letters or diagnostic results. For example, a diagnosis recorded as “dermatitis” may be more commonly recognised as eczema, contact dermatitis, or atopic dermatitis.
We try to run research studies centrally and send the letters out from one designated clinician and admin member and we try our best to ensure that all our clinical and reception staff are aware of letters and the latest trials but there is often a lot going on in the practice and so sometimes staff are not as up to date as they should be. We are improving this by putting up a notice on the research noticeboard in every practice.