If you are not involved as a practice in clinical research then the terms FAST, TASMINH4, HEAT, CHESS, CANDID, iWOTCH, and OPTiMISE will have little meaning other than a bunch of randomly assembled , vaguely incomprehensible words, with no apparent connection. However, these are the cleverly constructed acronyms that represent just a few of the many clinical trials that we at Westside Medical Centre have been involved in.

The beauty of taking part in research projects is that it gives you the chance to contribute to something that is likely to affect the way we deal with, and treat patients, in the future. It's also really great for helping keep up-to-date and feeling that you are at the leading edge of clinical knowledge and best practice. This can build the reputation of your surgery and help to attract new clinical staff to the team.

In a world where the day-to-day of practice life can be intense and unforgiving, it's good to participate in something different and it helps to widen your personal portfolio of skills.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the keenness of patients to get involved and show an interest in what is being done as they also like to feel like they are making a difference.

And don't forget, if your organisation likes what you are doing, then as a designated research practice, linked to the Clinical Research Network, you will be remunerated for committing to being involved in a minimal number of studies each year. There will also be payment for each one that you complete, usually linked to the number of recruited patients.

Along the way there is the reassuring presence of the CRN to provide guidance and support and introduce a willing practice to new studies as they emerge. As a practice you can do as little or as much as you want and generally I have not found that it adds significantly to my daily workload. Once you have dipped your toe in the water of clinical research, why not take the step up to being a host practice, when you get the added benefit of a research nurse (thanks Susan Zhao!), employed by the CRN, to facilitate the whole process and answer any questions that you have.

And through Participate magazine the results of all the studies are summarised at the end of the trial period and it can be very satisfying to see your efforts translated into an important outcome that may inform clinical practice for years to come.