If you are developing a proposal for a research study that will involve patients in the NHS, and your study is eligible for the Clinical Research Network Portfolio, we can offer you guidance on the practical aspects of delivering your study in the NHS environment. Early involvement with the Clinical Research Network can make a real difference to the deliverability of your study in the following ways:
- With our specialist on-the-ground knowledge of NHS sites, we can advise on the availability of the facilities and research support staff required for your study.
- Thanks to our wide contact base, we can also suggest clinicians who may be interested in contributing to your study.
- Because we are “embedded” in the NHS, we are able to provide intelligence on the local patient population, so you can determine the likelihood of being able to recruit the necessary patient numbers for successful study delivery.This knowledge can help you to answer feasibility questions from potential study funders.
Use the link below to find out who to contact for advice at the outline proposal stage.
Whilst your first port of call for advice on research management and governance (RM&G) should be your NHS or University R&D office - where available - we can offer back-up guidance on aspects of RM&G that can help you in applying for NHS permission, and in study set-up. See the links section below for Frequently Asked Questions on RM&G, and a list of local RM&G contacts.
The set-up stage of a study is also where you may need to start thinking about the Research Passport, and applying for the necessary checks (eg Criminal Records Bureau checks) so that researchers are in a position to start the study when permission is granted. Use the link below to find out more about Research Passports.
In addition to the help we provide, other parts of the National Institute for Health Research also offer support. Use the links to go to those parts of the NIHR that provide research funding, and the Research Design Service for general guidance on research design and methodology.
