The number of NHS patients taking part in clinical research in England took a significant leap forward in 2010/11, according to figures released by the National Institute for Clinical Research (NIHR), Clinical Research Network.*
The figures show that more than half a million people participated in the NIHR Clinical Research Network studies in 2010/11, an increase of over 110,000 on the previous year.
The NIHR Clinical Research Network was set up by the Department of Health to reduce the red-tape around clinical study set-up, fund additional costs such as research nurses, x-rays and scans so that research activities do not drain NHS resources, and identify patients to participate in studies so that more people can benefit from research.
Dr Jonathan Sheffield, chief executive of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, believes the increase in research participation is due to a combination of factors. He explains,
"In the past, research activity was centred in the big teaching hospitals. However, by supporting research posts and costs in a wider range of NHS Trusts, we've been able to cast the net wider. That means more patients, in many more locations across England, have access to clinical studies. We are also working to raise the level of patient awareness about clinical studies, so that people start to ask their doctor about participating in a research study as part of their care. Today's figures suggest that all of this activity is gathering momentum."
Participation in clinical research is written into the NHS constitution and operating framework, but the NIHR Clinical Research Network believes that more groundwork is needed to ensure that all parts of the NHS embrace the research culture.
Said Dr Sheffield, "The NHS has been asked to make efficiency savings over the next four years. That means understanding which treatments work best for patients, so we can focus resources in these areas. We need the level of research activity to continue to grow, so we can determine the very best healthcare solutions, and help the NHS to shape its service for the future."
*No of patients recruited into NIHR Clinical Research Network-supported research studies:
• 2010/11 – 564,698
• 2009/10 – 454,138
