Research
Taking part in research
The Allan Practice takes part in medical research, and from time to time you may be invited to join a study. Taking part is voluntary. You can say no, or withdraw at any time, without giving a reason, and it will not affect the care you receive.
All studies carried out at the practice have been checked and approved by the relevant health authorities and ethics committees.
How you might be invited
- By text message, email or letter from the practice
- By your doctor or nurse during an appointment
- By a member of a study team in the waiting area, whose work the practice has approved
You will always be given clear written information about what a study involves, and the chance to ask questions, before you decide. Most studies are looking for people who meet specific criteria, so you will not be asked to take part in a large number of them.
Your information
Nobody from outside the practice will be given your contact details or have access to your medical records without your consent. If you agree to take part in a study, the consent form will state which parts of your records, if any, may be looked at.
Research invitations are sent by practice staff. We sometimes use an approved mailing company to send them. Your contact details are not shared beyond that system and are deleted after 28 days.
The practice also contributes de-identified data to two national research databases: the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and the Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC). Individual patients cannot be identified from this data.
If you do not want to be contacted about research
Please let us know and we will not send you invitations. You can change your mind at any time.
To stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning, set your preference at Your NHS Data Matters.
Why we take part
Research helps to improve care for our patients and for the wider NHS, and can give patients access to new treatments. The practice is part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network. The costs of taking part are funded separately, so routine patient services are not affected.
Find out more about the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
