We are constantly trying to improve our service and a wide full range of treatments, including those still in the research stages.

To achieve this, we collaborate with academic institutions, other NHS trusts and the pharmaceutical industry to participate in a number and variety of NIHR Portfolio clinical trials and research studies.

We are taking part in trials that involve using new treatments or routine treatments in a different way.

We also contribute to the collection of data and blood samples in observational and genetic studies and we help identify patients to be recruited for studies being conducted elsewhere.

Recruitment of patients for clinical trials

Patients are recruited from the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinics and have a wide range of diagnoses including:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Sjögren's Syndrome
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Giant cell arteritis
  • Systemic lupus

The benefits of clinical trials

  • To reduce the number of treatments required
  • Improve survival rates
  • Improve quality of life
  • Identify effective new drug regimes
  • Identify genetic risk factors
  • Improve the way information is given to patients
  • Evidence of practice
  • Improve the way treatment is delivered

Entering a clinical trial - a patient's journey

The process is illustrated in a poster (pictured right); download the full size poster: Entering a Clinical Trial - A Patient's Journey poster.

Contact

For further information please contact:

Research Practitioner
Tel: 01793 605237

Or speak to whoever sees you in clinic.

Further information