4 in 5 GP practices in the East of England took part in research over the last year

More people than ever took part in research right on their doorstep last year, according to new data released today. 

Around 1 in 3 people who participated in research in the East of England in 2023-24 were recruited via primary care, including GP practices and care homes, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). 

The data relates to the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) portfolio studies. It shows that almost 80% of all GP practices (303 of 381) in the East of England took part in CRN-supported research in 2023-24. This is a 44% increase compared to the previous year.

A total of 25,158 participants recruited to research came via primary care - 32% of the total number of participants recruited to research in the East of England in 2023-24. Regionally, overall, 78,847 participants were recruited to 835 research studies, a participant increase of 23%. 

This means more people than ever had the opportunity to take part in research and access new treatments and healthcare practices right on their doorstep. 

Other 2023/24 East of England research increases include:

• 237% increase in commercial NIHR Portfolio study recruitment
• 805% increase in people taking part in Dementia and Neurodegeneration research, with recruitment rising from 1,636 to 14,916 participants
• The number of people taking part in Children’s studies increased by 139%, with recruitment rising from 1,120 to 2,675 participants
• The number of people taking part in Public Health studies increased by 65%, rising from 488 to 806 participants
• The number of people taking part in research at care and community settings increased by 20%, from 3,250 to 4,059
• The number of people taking part in Diabetes studies increased by 42%, with recruitment rising from 1,854 to 2,625 participants
• 3,441 responses to our Participant in Research Experience Survey were completed by people who took part in CRN East of England studies.

Dr Serge Engamba (pictured), GP at Norwich Primary Care Network and CRN East of England Primary Care Deputy Specialty Lead, said:

“These results show the huge commitment of GPs in the East of England to helping improve the way that we provide treatment and care for people. To make research as accessible as possible, we need to bring opportunities closer to people through GPs, care homes, and broader community settings, therefore ensuring that our results are a true reflection of the needs of every group in our community.

“We know that research cannot happen without those who volunteer to take part in studies, and we are extremely grateful to the huge number of people who have participated over the last year, whether at their local hospital or across the wider health and care landscape. ”

Participation figures continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels

Over the last year, a total of 1,045,282 people across England took part in health and care research. This is the fourth year in a row that around a million people have been involved in research supported by the NIHR CRN.

The CRN has helped recruit more than 5.4m participants during the past 5 years. 

John Sitzia, Executive Director of the NIHR Research Delivery Network, said: 

“Whether it’s taking part in a drug trial at a local hospital, completing an online survey, or being interviewed for research on adult social care, every contribution helps improve our understanding of how to deliver good care and ultimately helps to improve health and wellbeing in the UK and beyond. 

“So we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in a health and care study last year. I hope that everyone who participated feels a sense of pride for their contribution.”

Everyone can take part in research, whether they have a health condition or not. Be Part of Research Service helps people to easily find and take part in studies across the UK.

Find a study or register to take part in research in the East of England at: www.bepartofresearch.uk.