Why take part in Research Trials at Abbeywell Surgery?
Research helps us find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illness. It can also help improve care, support and treatment options for patients in the future.
Taking part in research may give you access to new treatments, closer monitoring, health checks, or extra support, depending on the study. However, not all studies will directly benefit you personally. Many studies are designed to help improve care for patients in the future and increase our understanding of different health conditions.
Abbeywell Surgery has an experienced research team dedicated to giving local patients the opportunity to take part in high-quality NHS, academic and commercial research studies.
The Abbeywell Research Team also works across North Baddesley Surgery and Testvale Surgery, allowing us to offer research opportunities to more patients across the local community.
Some studies can be completed remotely via telephone or video appointments, while others require face-to-face visits. If a face-to-face research appointment is required, this will take place at Abbeywell Surgery.
If you take part in a study, you will be given clear information about who to contact if you have questions or concerns.
Who can take part in a clinical trial or research study?
Each study has different eligibility criteria. Some studies are open to a wide range of patients, while others are for people with specific conditions, symptoms, medications or age groups.
If you may be suitable for a study, the research team may contact you by phone, text message, NHS App notification, email or letter. Your GP, nurse or another member of the practice team may also discuss a research opportunity with you during an appointment.
You will always be given information about the study and time to decide whether you would like to take part. The research team will explain what is involved and answer any questions you may have.
Taking part is voluntary. You can say no, or withdraw from a study at any time, without this affecting your usual care.
Are Clinical Trials Safe?
All clinical trials and research studies are reviewed and approved before they open at the practice. This includes checks to make sure the study is appropriate, ethical and safe to run.
Studies are monitored throughout, and participant safety is always a priority.
All staff involved in clinical trials complete Good Clinical Practice training. This is an internationally recognised standard for safely and appropriately conducting research.
What happens to my personal information?
Your personal information is handled carefully and in line with UK data protection law.
Before you agree to take part in a study, you will be told what information will be collected, how it will be used, who may see it, and how it will be protected.
When you take part in a clinical trial or research study, your study information is usually coded using a study identification number rather than your name. This helps protect your identity and keep your personal information secure.
Nobody outside the practice or study team will access your identifiable medical information without the appropriate permissions and safeguards in place.
What if I don’t want to take part in research?
Taking part in research is entirely voluntary. You can say no to any research opportunity, and this will not affect your usual care.
If you do not wish to be contacted about future research opportunities, please contact the surgery and we can update your preferences on your medical record. If you change your mind later, you can let us know.
You can also choose whether data from your health records is shared for research and planning through the NHS Your Data Matters service.