GP Surgeries in North West London Launch COVID-19 Research
- 21 April 2020
- 1 min read
The Fulham Medical Centre is the first GP practice in North West London to start recruiting to a major new COVID-19 trial.
The PRINCIPLE trial, supported by the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) North West London, is a national study recruiting in GP surgeries across the UK. A further 70 practices in North West London are also in set-up.
The trial aims to find out if some treatments can reduce the need for hospitalisation for people at higher risk of becoming more ill with COVID-19.
Dr David Mummery, GP and Specialty Lead for Primary Care at the CRN North West London, said: “Research in Primary Care is a priority in trying to find effective treatments and strategies for those individuals affected by Coronavirus.
“We in Primary Care have a very important role to play in helping to find effective therapies, and currently there is a concerted national effort to try and implement research trials in Primary and Secondary Care relating to all aspects of the pandemic.”
Participants will either receive the trial treatment - called hydroxychloroquine - or current usual best care and advice with no treatment. Those taking part will answer online questions for up to 28 days, reporting any symptoms they might be experiencing. They will also receive a swab so they can be tested for the infection.
All those recruited will have symptoms of COVID-19. The trial is open to those aged 50 to 64 with underlying health conditions, or anyone aged 65 or over. Recruitment is only taking place in GP surgeries.
