Who we are
The Primary Care Research Network is part of the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network and is funded by the Department of Health.
What we do
We are dedicated to providing a world-class infrastructure to conduct clinical research in primary care settings - where the majority of patient / practitioner contacts take place. We work with a wide range of primary care practitioners, such as GPs, dentists, pharmacists and health visitors, and support high quality research in areas for which primary care has particular responsibility. These include disease prevention, health promotion, screening and early diagnosis, as well as the management of long-term conditions, such as arthritis and heart disease.
Why we do it
Clinical research is, and has always been, fundamental to the work of the NHS. Only by carrying out research into "what works" can we continually improve treatments for patients, and understand how to focus NHS resources where they will be most effective. All the research that we support is driven by the priorities of the NHS and the Department of Health, and informed by the views of patients and their carers.
How we do it
We provide researchers with practical support they need to make clinical studies happen in a primary care setting in the NHS, so that more research takes, and more patients can take part.
The practical support we provide includes:
- Reducing the “red-tape” around setting up a study
- Enhancing NHS resources, by funding the people and facilities needed to carry out research “on the ground”
- Helping researchers to identify suitable NHS sites, and recruit patients to take part in research studies
- Advising researchers on how to make their study “work” in the NHS primary care environment
This practical support is delivered by staff in our eight Local Research Networks which cover the whole of England. Typically, Local Research Network teams include a Network Manager, research support staff from nursing and other health professions or life sciences backgrounds, data managers and administrative staff. These regionally based staff develop in-depth knowledge of local GP practices, health centres, dental practices and other primary care services so that they can involve you in clinical studies that are relevant to you - whether you’re a patient or a practitioner.
The management, development and performance of the Primary Care Research Network is overseen by our Coordinating Centre in London.
How we can support you
Use the links below to find out how we can help you:
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