19.11.12
NHS research sees 595,000 participants
New statistics show that NHS research is “thriving”, with 99% of trusts in England actively recruiting patients into studies.
The National Institute for Health Research’s (NIHR) Clinical Research Network has published new statistics based on England-wide delivery data for April 2011 – March 2012.
The Network found that the number of studies in hard-to-reach areas such as mental health trusts and ambulance trusts has grown significantly. Additionally, 595,000 patients took part in research studies during this time, a 5% increase on participation from the previous year.
Data also showed that 62% of trusts are engaged in commercial research and patient recruitment has increased by 20%.
Commenting on the statistics, NIHR Clinical Research Network chief executive, Dr Jonathan Sheffield, said: “Our ability to deliver clinical research studies in the NHS efficiently is vital to the economy, and to the development of better treatments for patients.
“The figures we have published show that things are heading in the right direction, but we are not complacent. We know there is still a lot of work ahead of us to improve the speed of study set-up and maintain a higher level of consistency in delivering trials to time and target for the research community.
“We are using the lessons of industry to make the delivery of clinical research quicker and slicker in the NHS – but it’s important to remember that we are doing this for patients. A research-active NHS means we can bring break-through treatments to patients more quickly, and we can keep on improving the health service.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]