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Research

Suffolk Primary Care

NHS expected to participate in support health & care research.

All NHS organisations are expected to participate and support health and care research. Conducting high-quality clinical research helps us to keep improving NHS care by finding out which treatments work best. All the practices within Suffolk Primary Care are committed to clinical research. The dedicated Suffolk Primary Care research team may look at your health records to check whether you are suitable to take part in a research study before asking you whether you are interested or sending you a letter on behalf of the researcher. For more information about how your information may be used in research and your rights, please click here.

Suffolk Primary Care

Research in the NHS

helps us increase our knowledge about human health and wellbeing so we can:

  • Develop life-changing treatments

  • Diagnose disease earlier and more accurately

  • Prevent people from developing conditions

  • Improve health and care for future generations

  • Improve quality of life for all people

You may be approached by your GP practice about a study if you meet the eligibility criteria for the trial. We have undertaken studies for patients with a number of conditions including stroke, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as for indigestion and reflux. If you do receive an invitation to take part in a study the research team at Suffolk Primary Care are very happy to talk to you about the study in more detail and provide further information if you are interested in taking part.

 

Research Suffolk Primary Care is currently involved in

Heartburn Health Check.  Many people experience heartburn and acid reflux. These can usually be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.  Having a Heartburn Health Check can help us to monitor your heartburn, or acid reflux symptoms. This is a quick capsule sponge test which involves swallowing a capsule the size of a vitamin pill.  Heartburn Health Checks are currently being run at Haven Health and Mendlesham Health Centre. 

SAFER: Screening for Atrial Fibrillation with ECG to Reduce stroke

The SAFER Trial - Screening for Atrial Fibrillation with ECG to Reduce stroke run by the University of Cambridge. Atrial fibrillation is a common irregular heartbeat, and is a major risk factor for stroke unless treated with medication. The aim of the study is to find out whether a national screening programme for atrial fibrillation is possible/achievable, will prevent strokes and is good value for money for the NHS. Patients aged 70 years and over are being invited to take part in a research trial that aims to answer these questions. This trial is currently being run at The Derby Road Practice, Combs Ford Surgery, Oakfield Surgery, Debenham Group Practice and Haven Health.

 

The Discover Me Study:

A nationwide research study, run by Omnigen Biodata, a research and development company based in Cambridge, which aims to analyse health and genetic information on thousands of people. The research aims to improve understanding of many different diseases, and to find ways to help GP practices improve patient care. Eligible patients from all Suffolk Primary Care practices will be invited to take part via an invitation text message.

The Third Infectious Intestinal Disease Study in the UK, run by Newcastle University and funded by the Food Standards Agency, is a big national study about the gut health which aims to estimate the burden and causes of infectious intestinal disease (IID) in the UK population. Eligible patients from Combs Ford Surgery, Debenham Group Practice, Haven Health, Oakfield Surgery and The Derby Road Practice will be invited to take part via an invitation text message.

AmiTriptyline for the prevention of post-Herpetic NeuralgiA Randomised controlled trial of investigational medicinal product run by the University of Bristol. The study aims to find out whether taking a low dose of amitriptyline soon after getting shingles can prevent pain associated with shingles. Eligible Patients aged 50 years or older with a diagnosis of shingles from all our SPC practices will be invited to take part.

A randomised controlled trial of a new relief inhaler in mild asthma run by the University of Nottingham. The trial is looking at whether an inhaler which contains drugs to both relieve symptoms and to prevent attacks, in a single combination inhaler, is better for treating mild asthma symptoms than two separate inhalers -- one for symptoms (attacks) and one for prevention (before attacks happen). Patients aged 18 and over with a clinical diagnosis of mild asthma from all our SPC practices will be invited to take part.

Atrial Fibrillation project

A pilot heart rhythm project is being run in partnership with East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. The aim of the pilot is to check the heart rhythm of people who are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and to identify people who may have this rhythm that is currently not diagnosed, as it often does not give rise to symptoms. Receiving this invitation does not mean that you have AF, but that we would like to check your heart rhythm without the need to attend your general practice or hospital. Patients from Howard House will receive a text message invitation from NHS Connect Services.

Suffolk Primary Care

Patient research

Our patients tell us they like being part of research. Here are some examples of comments that have been received from our research participants from the 2021/22 CRN East of England Participant Research Experience Survey :

  • “It’s worthwhile and helps future research”

  • “Not only will it potentially help me but many other and will reduce NHS costs”

  • “I felt my participation was valued”

  • “The intent of the trial, the need for volunteers and the appreciation of my stepping up made it a positive experience”

Suffolk Primary Care

Clinical Practice Research Datalink

The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) is a comprehensive research database that collects and stores anonymized health information from various primary care practices across the United Kingdom. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers and healthcare professionals to conduct studies, monitor health trends, and investigate the effectiveness of treatments and interventions.

Suffolk Primary Care and all its affiliated practices have successfully become part of the CPRD programme. This means that our organisation is actively contributing to this vast repository of medical data, which will ultimately lead to advancements in medical research, improved patient care, and a better understanding of various health conditions. By participating in the CPRD, Suffolk Primary Care is demonstrating its commitment to fostering evidence-based practices and supporting the advancement of medical knowledge for the benefit of our patients and the broader healthcare community.

More information.

Suffolk Primary Care is an innovative partnership of GP Surgeries based in Suffolk covering 90,000 patients.

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