What is clinical research?
Clinical research helps us understand how to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent health problems. Some types of clinical research are based on examining and observing people with different conditions, and sometimes comparing them with healthy people. Other studies may use human samples (blood, tissue and cells) or other existing medical information, or may test medical technologies such as using X-rays.
Why is clinical research important?
Whether clinical research is carried out directly on people, or using other techniques, its primary aims are to:
- Provide the best advice and treatments for people
- Increase understanding about the human body and mind in health and when living with illness
- Share knowledge and learning
- Improve patient care.
How does patient and public involvement benefit research?
Getting actively involved can lead to:
- More relevant research questions being asked resulting in more useful research
- More sensitive approaches to people who take part in studies as ‘participants’
- Helping to keep the research on track
- Greater opportunities to share research news with patients and the public.
How would I benefit from being actively involved?
- By having a say in research
- Through sharing your experience
- By getting research started that is important to you
- By learning more about research activities
- Through meeting new people – researchers, members of the public and other people from different networks
- By gaining confidence and new skills
- By having the chance to make a contribution.
Will I get paid?
It depends on what you are doing. Sometimes getting involved is unpaid. This information will always be made clear to you at the beginning. Any expenses you incur will always be reimbursed.
What are the Clinical Research Networks?
The Clinical Research Networks are part of the National Institute for Health Research and the UK Clinical Research Collaboration. The Collaboration has been set up to establish the UK as a world leader in clinical research. Clinical Research Networks have been put in place to support this to improve patient care and allow access to the best treatment. The Networks believe that active patient and public involvement is needed if it is to encourage research which directly benefits and reflects the needs and views of patients and the public. Networks have been established in cancer, dementias and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, medicines for children, mental health, primary care and stroke. A Comprehensive Clinical Research Network has also been created to support research in all other areas of health and clinical need.
How do I find out more?
If you would like to know more about getting involved, contact:
Patient and Public Involvement Clerical Officer
NIHR Clinical Research Network
Coordinating Centre (NIHR CRN CC)
Fairbairn House, 71-75 Clarendon Road
Leeds LS2 9PH
T: 0113 343 9070
E: crncc.ppi@nihr.ac.uk
