Clinical Research at Spring Gardens
Spring Gardens Group Medical Practice is a host practice for clinical research studies through the NIRH , National Institute of Health Research, more simply, NHS research. We are a beacon for research in Worcestershire, recruiting to 6-8 new studies a year. 1,400 Spring Gardens patients have helped with a research study in the last 4 yrs, contributing to medical progress and gaining satisfaction in participating. Jon Davies is our Research Nurse and Dr Claire Jones leads.
National Institute for Health Research https://www.nihr.ac.uk/
To view the latest report from Clinical Research Network please click on the link below:
http://warwick.ac.uk/ccg-studyreport
Studies you can participate in from home:
Alzheimer's Society - research into Dementia (link to website is below):
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/play-your-part-research
Recent / Current studies taking place:
Archie
This study, last winter, focused on vulnerable children and the use of antibiotics during a viral illness.
Primrose
Offered patients with severe mental health illness intensive lifestyle advice from Dawn over 2 yrs. Results published recently in BMJ showed no reduction in cholesterol levels but interestingly, a reduction in psychiatric admissions.
Impetigo
This study currently trials a new cream against Fucidin for the treatment of impetigo. 14 patients recruited so far.
PMR
This Polymyalgia Rheumatica study asked patients diagnosed in the last 2 years details of their symptoms. This is to be evaluated to construct a tool to aid diagnosis of this clinical condition.
CHESS
Patients with Chronic headaches or migraines are offered 2 days workshop for headache management. The workshops are to be in Worcester.
IWOTCH
This study offers patients on opiate analgesia 2 day workshop for pain management with aim of reducing opiate use. This is a high priority for NHS England. Again the workshops are in Worcester.
Vacept
This study asked ladies aged 35-50, attending for a smear, their attitude towards HPV vaccine, currently given to teenage girls to prevent cervical cancer. Our only vaccine against cancer.
SUMMIT D
We are about to start this study. It is APP based, with motivational messages to diabetic patients with changes to medication. Improving IT in the NHS is a priority of Matt Hancock, the minister for Health.
CLASP
This study offers lifestyle encouragement to patients cured of bowel breast or prostate cancer.
TAZMIN4
This study was recently published. As one of our many hypertensive (blood pressure) studies it compares series of home BP readings with office based BP readings (usual care) and demonstrates what is now becoming acceptable knowledge that regular home readings results in better BP control than infrequent office (GP) readings.
If you are interested in taking part in research studies please look out for studies advertised in the waiting room or spek to Jon Davies or Dr Claire Jones. There is no obligation to take part and patients are able opt out of mail invites.