Over one million people in primary care have actively participated in research studies looking at healthier lifestyle, disease diagnosis and prevention, and management of long term illnesses such as diabetes.
Clinical research is the way clinicians in primary care (including GPs, dentists and pharmacists) gather evidence about new treatments, in order to improve patient care in the NHS.
Simon Denegri is the NIHR National Director for Patients and the Public in Research, he said:
“This is fantastic news. The nature of the health challenges facing the UK means that GPs, in partnership with patients and carers, have a crucial role to play in developing treatments of patient benefit. That over one million people have volunteered to participate in clinical studies is a mark of how successful this partnership has become. The NIHR hopes that many more people and their families will be encouraged by this to also come forward and help us do more life-saving work. Research cannot happen without them.”