Research and Clinical Trials

Clinical Research

Clinical research is how we develop new treatments and knowledge for better health and care, building the evidence for new approaches that are safe and effective.  It is an essential part of making healthcare better and can lead to new treatment or provide evidence of the best available treatments for a clinical condition.

We work with thousands of patient and public volunteers to conduct research driving the next generation of treatments and care. These studies involve both patients and healthy volunteers.

 Clinical research can lead to new treatment or provide evidence of the best available treatments for a clinical condition.  Without research there would be no new ways to treat you. It is just as important to your healthcare as your doctor or your hospital.

Benefits

Researchers can provide direct benefits to individuals who take part in medical trials and indirect benefits to the population as a whole. Service user records can also be used to identify and invite people to take part in clinical trials, intervention studies, or studies purely using information from medical records.

Process

Where identifiable data is needed for clinical research, service users will be approached by the organisation where treatment was received, to see if they wish to participate in a research study.

Legal basis

The data subject has given explicit consent to the processing for one or more specific purposes.

Sometimes research can be undertaken using anonymised or aggregated information that does not identify you. The law does not require us to obtain your consent in this case. However, the organisation holding your information will make notices available on the premises and on the website about any research projects that are undertaken.

You do have a choice about whether you want your patient information to be used in this way. If you are happy with this use of information you do not need to do anything. If you do choose to opt out your information will still be used to support your individual care.

You can find further information on clinical research and opting out of clinical research.