As patients, we generally see our GP Surgery as a place for routine care: somewhere to get a repeat prescription, get seen for an acute problem, or be supported in managing a long-term condition. But behind the Surgery doors, some GP practices are also engaged in something that has an impact much further than their own patient population: clinical research.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved recently in setting up a Research Collaborative between a group of practices in Cheshire, headed up by our Clinical Research Leads Dr Neil Paul and Dr Carolyn Paul, both experienced Research Principal Investigators. With funding from our GP Alliance, we’ve been able to encourage and support practices that are ‘Research inquisitive’ but haven’t yet become involved. Patients at our affiliate practices will now have more opportunities available to be part of clinical research.
As a patient, it matters to me that the practice where I am registered is involved in Research - here’s why, and why I think it should matter to you too:
1. Advancing Medicine for Everyone
We all know that General Practice medical records are chock full of information. That data, if coded well, and shared appropriately, can move mountains when contributing to research.
By participating in research, GP practices contribute directly to the evidence base that shapes healthcare. When my practice is involved in research, I know it’s helping to improve medicine not just for me, but for countless others in the future.
2. Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments
As a patient, being registered at a research-active practice, I may get early access to innovative treatments and therapies that aren’t yet widely available.
3. Enhancing the Quality of Care
Studies show that practices involved in clinical research tend to be more evidence-based in their approach to care, have more engaged clinicians, and foster a culture of continuous learning. For me as a patient, this translates into higher standards of care.
4. Empowering Patients Through Choice
Clinical research often invites patients to participate in trials or studies, giving us the opportunity to play an active role in our own healthcare journeys. For me, being given the option to contribute to research feels empowering. It’s a chance to be more than a recipient of care; it’s a way to give back and help shape the future of medicine.
5. Strengthening the NHS
As we all know, the NHS faces immense pressure from rising demand and limited resources. Research can help to alleviate this strain by identifying more efficient ways to deliver care - something that benefits us all.
Involvement in clinical research really impacts the quality-of-care we patients receive now and what will be available in the future.
I’d encourage all practices to get involved in Research!
