Taking Part In Research Studies

Why Take Part?

It has previously been found that people who take part in research studies can benefit from the experience. It can be rewarding and people often enjoy taking part. You may also learn more about the condition being studied.

Some research tries to find new ways of preventing health problems. Taking part in research can, also, then help other people, such as others with the same problem as you, or those who might develop it in the future.

Sometimes you can take part in research as a healthy volunteer. This means that you don’t have any problems yourself but that you volunteer to try out new treatments or ways of delivering care.

The National Institute for Health (NIHR) introduced two national campaigns, ‘OK to ask’ in January 2013 and subsequently ‘research changed my life’. For further information, please visit:

http://www.crncc.nihr.ac.uk/oktoask 

http://www.crncc.nihr.ac.uk/ppi/rcml

Read more information about what to expect if you decide to participate in a clinical trial or research study. Watch a video online or order a free DVD to learn more about the role of patients in developing research and what it's like to participate in a clinical study.

How Will this Affect Me?

If you are eligible to take part in a research study your practice is running you will be told about it by your GP, nurse, dentist or other health professional. You will also receive written information about the study. You may hear about it face to face or get a letter in the post from the practice, or your hospital doctor.

It is up to you if you want to take part. Your care and how you are treated by staff will not be affected if you decide that taking part is not for you. You will have time to think about whether or not you want to take part.

Being in a study can be a good experience. All studies have been reviewed by a group of experts that have practice in looking at research.

Further Information - NIHR PCPIE Information