Why engage in research activity?
Delivering a well-designed clinical study can not only generate vital new knowledge, it can also have surprisingly widespread benefits for patients, both now and in the future.
By investigating the cause and course of diseases or health problems and how best to treat them you could increase your knowledge and understanding for the benefit of all your own patients. At the same time you’re also helping to establish “what works”, and build the body of evidence that can lead to a positive change in future care. What’s more, being involved in research offers an opportunity to stay up-to-date on the very latest treatments and interventions. So by joining the research community you are actively helping to drive up the standard of healthcare for your patients. 
We can offer you a broad range of opportunities to be involved in research and peace of mind that the studies are high quality and relevant to the NHS. Hear from some practitioners we're already working with:
How we can support you
Our job is to enable you to participate in research. We do this in a number of ways:
- We’ll keep you up-to-date on research opportunities that are relevant to you
You’ll have peace of mind that the research studies will be high quality and of importance to your patients, and the NHS We’ll help you to select studies that are right for you and your practice or site We’ll identify and explain the needs of studies so that you feel confident about contributing to them We’ll support you with planning and practical measures prior to a study starting, such as resource requirements and different support options We’ll help you access NHS Service Support resources to cover staff time and involvement in research We'll provide access to free Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training developed specifically for primary care for your practice staff to become ‘research ready’ 
We can get you started by advising and assisting you to identify suitable research participants If necessary we’ll provide additional support to help you meet your study recruitment goals. This might include hands-on support such as obtaining patient consent or supporting patient follow-up We’ll help you to monitor and manage the progress of studies and advise on any action that may be necessary We’ll be on hand to answer any questions or queries you might have along the way Why not download our leaflet: 10 good reasons for Practitioners to work with us (PDF 137kb). Alternatively you can hear how we're doing from more people we've already supported on our case studies page or read on to find out more about specific schemes designed to support you to deliver research.
Primary Care Research Sites Initiative
This scheme is funded by Comprehensive Local Research Networks and provides infrastructure funding to primary care practices that agree to support NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio studies on a regular basis.
Practices are invited to apply for membership and, if successful, you will receive funding to establish and maintain your ability to deliver Portfolio research. In return for this support you need to meet specific criteria, with a scale of payments allowing you to sign up to different levels of commitment. So for example, recommended criteria for a practice at Level 1 include delivering at least two Portfolio studies and at least one member of staff attending Good Clinical Practice training. Higher levels of the scheme include a requirement to undertake more studies.
If you would like to know more use the interactive map to visit your Primary Care Local Research Network website or contact your Primary Care Local Research Network directly.
RCGP Research Ready Scheme
We’ve worked with the Royal College of General Practitioners to develop an online self-accreditation scheme, with a one-off charge of £150 for a three year period of acreditation, called 'Research Ready'. Achieving 'Research Ready' status signifies that your practice has up-to-date knowledge of the standards and competencies necessary to run safe clinical research studies - based on the latest research governance frameworks. Find out more on the RCGP Research Ready website.
Register your interests in research
We want to get to know you. By learning about your research interests and a bit about your practice we can make sure that we inform you about research projects that are relevant to you. Let us know what kind of research you're interested in by filling out our simple online form
