What is research?
People use research to try and find the causes of diseases and to find better treatments and services. There are many different types of research from surveys to clinical trials. All studies involving people require approval and you should be given detailed study information and an opportunity to ask questions.
If you have further questions about taking part in research, including "Why take part in research?" and "Deciding whether to take part in research", please click here for further information on Clinical Trials.
These studies require different levels of involvement from people who take part in the research. People can be involved in planning research, helping to carry it out as well as taking part in research.
If you want to be involved in advising and assisting in the commissioning, planning and conduct of projects, please contact Involve, a national advisory group, funded through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Its role is to support and promote active public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research.
(Click here for further information about Involve)
Should I take part in a research study as a participant?
Research may bring benefits but it also has risks, which you should think about before you decide whether or not to take part. It is your decision to take part in research and you should not take part unless you feel that you understand what is being asked of you.
What is PRIMENT?
PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit is a collaboration between the University College London (UCL) Research Departments of Primary Care & Population Health and Mental Health Sciences, and the Medical Research Council General Practice Research Framework (MRC GPRF) which conducts and coordinates medical research in primary care (usually your GP) and secondary care (usually the care you may receive in hospital). All research conducted through PRIMENT has been approved by an independent research ethics committee (NRES).
(Click here for further information on the ethics committee).
What happens if I take part in PRIMENT research?
If your general practice is taking part in research then you may be contacted to see if you want to take part. You will be given or sent study information to tell you more about the study and you can then decide if you are interested or not. Whatever your decision, your usual care at the practice will not be affected.
If you are interested then there may be questions you want to ask. The research nurse at your practice usually answers questions about the study.
If you decide to take part the nurse will ask for your written permission (or consent). You can still withdraw from the study at any stage, without giving a reason and this will not affect your care at the practice.
I am part of a study and want more information/help:
If you have any questions about a PRIMENT study that you are involved with then you should contact:
1) The research nurse at your practice.
2) The study manager of the study you are involved in.
If you have any problems contacting these people, then you can contact the PRIMENT co-ordinating centre in London and we will find someone to help you
