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Guide to reasearch for patients

Be part of something special

  • You could improve healthcare
  • You could make it better for future generations
  • You could receive cutting edge treatments or drugs
  • You could be a part of exciting worldwide studies

You don’t have to take part if you are asked but it would be good to have you!

Interested?

You will get:

  • All the information you need
  • Time to think and ask others
  • Opportunities to ask any questions you may have

You can change your mind at any time – even half way through a study – and it won’t affect your care. All research has to be checked and approved to protect your safety, confidentiality, rights and dignity.

What types of studies might I be asked to take part in?

  • Observational studies where information is gathered from you or your medical records
  • Clinical trials of new treatments, tests, or drugs
  • Questionnaire studies

Some studies may require extra hospital visits, blood tests and follow up, whereas others will take up just a few minutes of your time. It is important that you understand exactly what’s involved before agreeing to take part. Researchers will explain exactly why the research is necessary, and for drug trials you will be given a full description of the drug, its stage of development, and how it is to be taken.

What are the risks?

Any possible risks or benefits of taking part in a trial will be fully explained, including possible side effects for any new drug or treatment. All research conducted in the Trust is carefully monitored and insured.

At the end of a study…

Researchers should be able to tell you what will happen to the results of the study when it finishes, where they may be published and how you can get access. Your participation will be anonymous, so none of your personal details will be used in any publication.

It’s OK to ask

At Birmingham Women’s Hospital we are supporting an important campaign led by the National Institute for Health Research to encourage you to ask your family doctor, nurse or consultant about clinical research. Clinical research is the way in which we gather evidence to improve treatments for patients. Promoting, conducting and using clinical research to improve healthcare is one of the key principles of the NHS. It is your right to be offered the chance to participate in research which may benefit you, therefore we want you to be aked about taking part – if not we want you to ask us!

Birmingham Women’s and the NIHR would like to know you took part in the OK to Ask campaign – we value your feedback, and want to hear your story.

The campaign coincides with International Clinical Trials Day in May every year. Find out more and tell us about your experiences:

Want more information about participating in research?

Research & Development Department
Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham
B15 2TG
0121 607 4789

Email: r&[email protected] or
Email: [email protected]