Research Statement

Our practice is a research active practice. This means we actively support and conduct different types of research with the intention of improving outcomes for patients. New treatments, technologies, care approaches and devices all need to be carefully and safely tested in real life healthcare environments. Clinical research in these environments is separately funded and adds value to patient care.

The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the importance of clinical research, which was crucial to the development of vaccines and treatments that have saved millions of lives globally. Clinical research is essential for discovering new treatments for diseases, as well as new ways to detect, diagnose, and reduce the chance of developing the disease and by improving the efficiency and efficacy of care it can be a vital tool in tackling waiting list backlogs and reducing the pressure on the NHS.

You may be approached or invited to consider taking part in research from time to time. Participation in research is completely voluntary and your decision to take part or not will not affect your clinical care in any way.

Our practice works with the NIHR North West Research Delivery network, who provide support to enable us to offer research to our patients. Every research study is different, and patient involvement varies- depending on the type of study. You will be provided with information on the study to help you decide whether you want to be part of it or not. Below are some examples of what you may be asked to do for a research study:

• Complete a questionnaire
• Take part in an interview
• Use a new therapy / device / website
• Take a treatment under supervision

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC now has a remit to assess how care organisations are supporting and using health and care research to improve population health. The 2021 CQC Strategy specifically refers to the value of research in population care. If you do not wish to be approached for research please contact the practice.

Site Research Staff

• GP Leads: Dr Carolina Espada, Dr Paolo Siddi
• Admin support: Heather Wilson, Samantha Cross, Emma Robinson
  • All above Good Clinical Practice trained

Patient Research Links:

• Join Dementia Research connects registered volunteers with dementia researchers across the UK who are looking for people to join their studies: Join dementia research
• Research for The Future has opportunities to get involved in research across all health conditions as well as for healthy volunteers: Research for the Future
• NIHR Evidence makes health and care research findings informative, accessible, relevant and ready for use for all: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/

How you can take part?

• 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 Highfield Surgery  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 or nurse 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.