Dear Patient
The Wellbrook Medical Centre has been successful in applying to join a national research group of practices which help university research departments in health research. Health research is important especially in general practice. It provides doctors with the means and information to tackle the increasing challenges that disease and ill health are placing on our society.
Over 90% of contacts between the general population and the NHS take place in general practice. Decisions made in general practice often need to be based on research and evidence. We are going to be working with the Primary care Research Network (PCRN) to help facilitate important research.
Who are the Primary Care Research Network?
PCRN was set up in 2007 to expand clinical research in primary care, where the majority of patient contacts and episodes of NHS care take place.
It is made up of eight Local Research Networks (LRNs) which cover the whole of England and bring together a wide range of primary care health professionals such as GPs, dentists, pharmacists and health visitors with the aim of promoting high quality research in areas for which primary care has particular responsibility. These areas include disease prevention, health promotion, screening and early diagnosis, as well as the management of long term conditions, such as arthritis and heart disease.
What does it mean for patients?
On occasions you may be contacted, by the practice or the university team that is doing the research, to take part in research. You are under no obligation to take part in the research. Some studies maybe questionnaire based, other may be related to your experience of general practice. However others may involve medications or monitoring of a certain condition that you may have. Information and an invitation to take part would normally be sent to you by post.
Further information about any studies the practice might be taking part in will be on the practice website. Leaflets about the Primary Care Research network will be available in reception.