More than half of all GP practices across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset took part in research last year

More than 5,000 local people took part in research right on their doorstep last year, according to new data released today. 

Nearly 1 in 6 people who participated in research in the South West Peninsula in 2023-24 were recruited via primary care, including GP practices and care homes, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The data relates to the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) portfolio studies. It shows that almost 55% (132/240) of all GP practices across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset took part in CRN-supported research in 2023-24. 

A total of 5,140 participants recruited to research in the region came via primary care and care homes - 15.3% of the total number of participants recruited to research in the South West in 2023-24. 

Mike Visick, Chief Operating Officer at the NIHR Clinical Research Network South West Peninsula (CRN SWP), said: “It is fantastic to see more and more people are taking part in vital health and care research in out-of-hospital settings. We are continuing to expand our research delivery offer by working in new ways and in new settings as well as by growing our agile research delivery team. This will ensure we can deliver the evidence needed to improve health and care and meet the ever-changing needs of the populations we serve. Thank you to all those people who have taken part and all the staff across the region who made it happen.”

Participation figures continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels

Over the last year, a total of 1,045,282 participants across England took part in health and care research. This is the fourth year in a row that over a million participants have been involved in research supported by the NIHR CRN. 

In the South West Peninsula, 33,648 participants took part in CRN-supported research, an increase of around 3,500 participants on the previous year. They got involved in research for a number of conditions including depression, cancer and dementia. 

Nationally, the CRN has helped recruit more than 5.4m participants during the past 5 years. In the South West more than 180,000 participants have been recruited in the same time period.

Executive Director of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), John Sitzia, said: “Our annual data shows health and care research is becoming more embedded in communities. This enables people from a variety of backgrounds to get involved and ensures everyone can access new treatments and healthcare practices through participation in research.

“Whether it’s taking part in a drug trial at a local hospital or completing an online survey, every contribution helps improve health and wellbeing in the UK and beyond. So we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in a health and care study last year. I hope that everyone who participated feels a sense of pride for their contribution.”

Everyone can take part in research, whether they have a health condition or not. Be Part of Research Service helps people to easily find and take part in studies across the UK.

Find a study or register to take part in research at: www.bepartofresearch.uk.