More than 50,000 participants took part in research across Kent, Surrey and Sussex last year

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

1 in 11 people who participated in research in Kent, Surrey and Sussex in 2023-24 were recruited via primary care, including GP and dental practices, 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 30% of all GP practices (134 out of 455) in Kent, Surrey and Sussex took part in CRN-supported research in 2023-24.

A total of 4,428 participants recruited to research came via primary care, 8.9% of the total number of participants recruited to research in Kent, Surrey and Sussex in 2023-24.

More than half of all GP practices (56%) in England took part in research in 2023-24 - for a total of 3,306. Care homes also played an active part in research. Last year 11% of care homes in England (210) took part in research that will improve adult social care, including studies on isolation for residents with sight loss.

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.

Dr Nicolas Sheppard, GP at Maywood Health Care Centre in Bognor Regis, which has been taking part in CRN-supported health research for the past 10 years, said: “I feel it is of great importance that primary care gets involved with research. Over two thirds of contacts with the NHS are delivered in primary care, so the sheer level of activity makes it a very valuable source of research.

“With demand at unprecedented levels in the NHS it can be difficult to make time for research, however having an allocated admin team to support and keep track of things is key.”

Dr Laura Clark, GP at Brow Medical Centre in Burgess Hill added: “The patients as a whole like to take part in the studies they feel might benefit them. Our greatest success to date was with the SAFER trial, which involved screening patients over 70 to see if they’re at risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. We had over 300 patients volunteer to take part and picked up a few cases of AF in those who were selected. So research really does save lives!

“The team at Brow Medical Centre is very enthusiastic about undertaking research projects and everyone chips in to help take part. We have good support from the Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex and study teams.”

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.

In Kent, Surrey and Sussex, 50,267 participants took part in CRN-supported research. This is a 15.9% increase over the previous year. They got involved in research for a number of conditions including depression, cancer and dementia.

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

Executive Director of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), John Sitzia, said:
“Our annual data shows health and care research is becoming more embedded in communities. This enables people from a variety of backgrounds to get involved and ensures everyone can access new treatments and healthcare practices through participation in research.

“Whether it’s taking part in a drug trial at a local hospital or completing an online survey, every contribution helps 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.”

Professor Geeta Menon and Dr Mark Hill, CRN Kent Surrey and Sussex Clinical Directors, added: “Supporting and enabling so many people to take part in research across the region, accessing research through a diverse range of places, is as a result of the great teamwork and the commitment of all our partner organisations.”

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 Kent, Surrey and Sussex at: www.bepartofresearch.uk.