Participating in a Clinical Trial

You may be invited to participate in research whilst under our care. If you are invited to take part in a research study, the study will be explained to you by a healthcare professional suitably trained in research and you will also be given written information explaining the following:

• What the study is 
• Why it is needed 
• What you will need to do if you decide to participate 
• The possible risks and benefits to you 
• How your identity will be protected and details kept anonymous 
• Who will have access to the information collected 
• Arrangements in place in case of any research related injury 
• Anticipated expenses (if applicable) 

Before agreeing to participate in a study, ensure that you fully understand all the information provided. Ask as many questions as you need to and discuss it with friends and family before making your decision.

If you decide to go ahead, you will normally need to sign a consent form to confirm that you wish to be involved.

Remember that you are not obliged to take part in any research. If you decide that you would rather not take part, this will not affect your care. If you decide to take part but subsequently decide you no longer wish to continue, you can leave the study at any time.

If You Have Concerns while on a Study:

Whilst it is something we hope will not happen, if you have concerns about any aspect of research please speak to the researchers using the contact details you will have been provided with. Alternatively, you may wish to contact the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who will offer you support information and assistance about any hospital services. PALS can be contacted here.

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial at Derriford Hospital please e-mail plh-tr.RD-Office@nhs.net for more information or visit the link below for studies we are currently running:

https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

More people than ever are taking part in research studies. The number of new studies delivered in the NHS has increased, and the number of patients engaged in research activity has hit an all-time high. Patients and the general public can often bring a fresh perspective to research. There have been occasions when members of the public have identified areas of research that have not previously been considered. Patients and the general public can also help to steer research projects by commenting on and developing research materials.

The ultimate aim of clinical research is to create an environment that will benefit patients and the public by improving national health, increasing national wealth, and enriching world knowledge. Research at UHPNT includes both commercial and non-commercial research projects as well as academic research studies.

If you require any further information on any aspect of research in the Trust then please feel free to navigate through the RD&I website or Contact Us