Network supports more than 63,000 to take part in research

More than 63,000 people took part in research studies supported by our network in the 12 months from April 2023, new figures show.

We supported recruitment into 759 studies in 30 medical specialities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire.

Recruitment included:

• Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - 860 participants recruited into 30 studies
• Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust - 4,692 participants recruited into 72 studies 
• Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - 4,753 participants recruited into 76 studies
• Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust - 2,237 participants recruited into 47 studies
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - 21,390 participants recruited into 520 studies
• Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust - 4,683 participants recruited into 106 studies
• GP practices - 19,984 participants recruited at 86 GP practices, about 40% of practices in our region.

Recruitment also took place in other settings such as the home, for example the PANORAMIC study into potential antiviral drug treatments for COVID-19, which people enrol for online and take part from home. Also, about one in five studies involved the life sciences industry.

Other studies which recruited in the 12 months from 1 April 2023 included:

• The DiscoverMe study which collects health and genetic information to increase understanding of diseases and help improve patient care. Participants enrol via participating GPs or online
• The Newborn screening for SMA trial to see if newborns in the UK can be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which weakens muscles and causes problems with movement, to start treatment before symptoms develop. More than 9,800 babies were enrolled by their family in our region
• The GLAD study, where people provide a saliva sample for DNA analysis to help researchers understand genetic influences on depression and anxiety. A total 238 people joined the study in our region

Dr Nick Thomas, Clinical Director at the NIHR Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands, said: “It is fantastic to see such high levels of research activity in our region. The NIHR supports research nationally across all health and care settings, always striving to provide opportunities to all members of the community. This report is testament to the hard work and dedication of the experienced NIHR research teams and the significant public support in engaging with research.”

Participating in health research helps develop new treatments, improve the NHS, public health and social care and save lives.

The NHS, public health and social care supports research by giving patients opportunities to take part in trials. Healthy people can also take part so results can be compared to those with a medical condition.

Sign up to be contacted about taking part in research at the NIHR’s Be Part of Research website at bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk