Research for the Future - getting involved in health research

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network is working in partnership with Research for the Future, to invite people living in Cheshire and Merseyside to get involved in health research. Those who get involved in health research tend to have better health outcomes, as they become better at managing their own health. Not only does it affect themselves but those who take part in research also help to improve care and treatments for others, both now and in the future.

Research for the Future is an NHS-supported campaign that helps people find out about and take part in health and care research. It not only supports research into some of the most common illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease or chronic kidney disease, but also into genetic disorders and rare diseases. The campaign was established more than a decade ago and has successfully supported research in many other areas of the North West. The expansion to include Cheshire and Merseyside has happened as a direct response to the overwhelming public support of vaccine research trials in the region that have taken place in the fight against Covid-19. 

Professor Andy Ustianowski is the National Clinical Lead for the NIHR Covid-19 Vaccination Programme and Joint National Infection Speciality Lead. As a clinician, he works closely with Research for the Future. He said, “The success of the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK is down to research and every person who volunteers. Clinical research has been vital in the fight against the pandemic. However, there are many other ways to get involved in research and help improve treatments and quality of life for everyone. Everything we do in medicine is based on evidence, and we get this evidence from clinical trials. By registering to take part in research, you are helping to discover new ways to prevent, diagnose and manage illnesses – both now, and for future generations.”

Registering with Research for the Future means you will hear about research opportunities that are relevant to you, along with details of how to take part if you want to. There are many ways you can get involved in research, including testing a new phone app, answering questionnaires, joining in with discussions or taking part in a clinical trial of new medications or treatments. Not all opportunities require you to go to a clinic or hospital, many you can do from the comfort of your own home. 

Annie who works for the NIHR in Liverpool has recently registered with the service as a healthy volunteer, she says “I’m more than happy to take part in any new research opportunities that might help my family or friends, either now or in the future. It’s my way of giving something back.”

Mrs Sam J is 55 and has had type 2 diabetes for four years. She joined Help BEAT Diabetes in 2013 and describes the first research study she took part in – investigating genetic and environmental factors of type 2 diabetes. 

“Arriving at the clinic I was pleasantly welcomed by Amy and Nicola, two diabetes research nurses. They showed me to a private room and I was offered tea or coffee. I immediately felt comfortable and at ease.

Amy explained what would happen during the appointment. She described everything in detail and confirmed at each step that I understood what she had said and if I had any questions, which was very reassuring.

Amy checked I had received and read the information about the study which had been posted to me a couple of weeks prior to my clinic appointment and then we began reading through the consent form together. The nurse read each statement and checked if I understood what it meant or if I had any questions. I confirmed and signed each one before moving to the next. Everything was very precise, easy and relaxed.

We discussed my current health and medical history, including questions about my lifestyle and my diabetes. I was also asked about my family medical history. The nurses made notes but explained they would also contact my GP, with my permission, for further information. There were no questions that I found intrusive at all and completing the paperwork was unhurried and informal.

Nicola then took me aside to take my blood pressure, height and weight. She asked for my consent to take a blood sample, explaining how this would be used for this study and stored for future studies. As I have diabetes I am used to having my blood taken so I was wasn’t worried but sometimes I can bruise. Not this time though, as Nicola was very proficient and had taken my blood whilst I was talking without me noticing! It was very quick and painless.

At the end of the appointment both nurses asked if I was happy with everything that had happened today, re-confirmed that I understood what the study was about and if I had any further questions. They thanked me for attending and taking part and offered me another tea or coffee!

Taking part in my first research study was a positive experience and one that I would be happy to repeat. A big THANK YOU to Amy and Nicola for being such wonderful nurses!”

Everyone over the age of 18 is encouraged to register, whether they have a health condition or not. To register you can go online at www.researchforthefuture.org or text RESEARCH and YOUR NAME to 81400 and an advisor will call you back.