In this article:
- Why is GP at Hand taking part in research?
- Why should I take part?
- How will I be contacted?
- How do I opt-out?
- Do I have to take part/will it affect my care if I don’t?
- Will you give/sell my personal data to other companies?
Why is GP at Hand taking part in research?
GP at Hand believes in improving the health of our patients and of the wider public. Being part of clinical research allows us to contribute to medical advances that can provide new ways to prevent, detect or treat disease. Being part of research allows us to help improve the health of the individual and also the health and wellbeing of the wider UK population, both today and for future generations.
We want to ensure that our patients are provided with the opportunity to be involved in clinical research and collaborate with local partners at the National Institute for Health Research and independent research partners to identify patients who may be suitable to participate in particular research trials.
We contact the patients and ask if you would like to take part. We never share your personal information or data with the research teams. Once you receive information from the practice it is up to you as a patient if you want to proceed.
Why should I take part?
The National Institute for Health Research has developed a website explaining why as a patient you may wish to take part in research. More information can be found here:
https://www.bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/taking-part/why-take-part/
How will I be contacted?
The practice may contact you by post, telephone or text message asking if you would like to participate in research. You are under no obligation to participate.
How do I opt-out?
If you would like to opt-out from receiving this information please email gpathand@nhs.net and we will ensure that this is clearly marked and you will not receive any information about research in the future.
Do I have to take part/will it affect my care if I don’t?
No, you do not need to take part and if you decide not to. It will not affect the quality of your care or your relationship with your GP or the practice.
If you are eligible and do decide to join a clinical trial, you may withdraw at any time. Research teams will also notify us of the results of any investigations they undertake such as blood tests or scans and will keep us fully informed for the duration of any trial.
Will you give/sell my personal data to other companies?
No. We do not sell or give them your data but we will run searches of our patient’s notes and then write to advise you about a clinical trial that may be of interest and how to contact the research team if you are interested or would like more information. These research companies and teams do not know who has been sent a letter unless you decide to contact them.