Upton Surgery is a Research Practice
Upton Surgery has for many years been a research active practice linked to the Clinical Research Network (CRN). This means that as a practice we get involved in CRN portfolio research projects. All of these projects have ethical approval and all are supported by high level funding, e.g. from the National Institute for Health Research, the Medical Research Council, the Welcome Foundation, or major charity funders such as Diabetes UK.
We work in close collaboration with the CRN team of GPs, research nurses and facilitators based in the Medical School at the University of Warwick. If a patient is eligible to take part in a CRN research study running in our practice, a GP or other healthcare professional will provide written information. Taking part in a research study is voluntary and can be beneficial to patients who participate in them. Studies vary as to what is involved. Sometimes the study may involve filling in a questionnaire or it may involve a research nurse gathering data and, where needed, taking clinical measurements such as blood pressure or a blood test.
Examples of CRN projects include:
- investigations into the causes and outcomes of respiratory infections
- the management of heart failure
- interventions designed to increase physical activity
- finding out whether low dose aspirin helps people with Type 2 diabetes
- trialling techniques to help people stop smoking
- investigating the use of self-monitoring of blood pressure
It is essential that such research occurs in general practice as this is where the majority of NHS clinical encounters occur. The current move is towards increasing involvement of general practices in research and we are delighted to be working so closely with the Clinical Research Network team to improve patient care and outcomes.
Our GP Research Lead within the practice is Dr Gail Wetmore
If you have any questions about our research then please contact the surgery or if you would like to know more about CRN, visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/pcresearchparticipation