The post-Brexit liberalisation of #clinicaltrials could be the way to a bolder ambition for the UK

There is much post-Brexit talk of using our new-found political independence to liberalise clinical trials in the U.K. We can cut ourselves free of all that terrible EU red-tape that has weighed us down. Or so the argument goes. We can be quicker and more efficient than other countries. We will be more attractive to … Continue reading The post-Brexit liberalisation of #clinicaltrials could be the way to a bolder ambition for the UK

National cancer patient survey raises more questions about patient access to research

The results of the National Cancer Patient Experience (NCPE) 2015 survey were published this morning.  It's an important insight into what people with cancer around the UK think about their care and treatment. For the last three years - and thanks to the tenacity of colleagues on the National Cancer Research Institute Consumers Liaison Group (NCRI CLG) … Continue reading National cancer patient survey raises more questions about patient access to research

Have you joined the new online course revolutionising the way the public can learn about clinical research? @NIHRCRN MOOC

I do not ascribe to the view that you have to be 'scientific literate' as a pre-requisite to taking part in science.  In the same way that I do not think you need to be fluent in French before you can enjoy a holiday or set up home there.  Nothing beats immersion in the way of … Continue reading Have you joined the new online course revolutionising the way the public can learn about clinical research? @NIHRCRN MOOC

Old rules need not apply – Is Apple tearing up the rule book with #ResearchKit?

'Purdah' will very shortly fall over Whitehall as the General Election looms. At the end of March the airspace over government will be closed for six weeks or so. No new flights of Ministerial fancy can take off. Those already in the air may continue on their way but must do so in radio silence. Still, … Continue reading Old rules need not apply – Is Apple tearing up the rule book with #ResearchKit?

Cancer research ‘sales’ to patients remain flat

Today sees the annual Cancer Patient Experience Survey published. For the third year running it looks at the extent to which people with cancer are being told about the opportunity to take part in research. Also, how many take up that opportunity. National data is published and then statistics are provided by NHS Trust and … Continue reading Cancer research ‘sales’ to patients remain flat

Blog: Local leadership in public involvement in research shows the way

The massive restructuring of UK clinical research according to new, local boundaries is a regular topic on this blog. My recent post about whether research was ready for the new localism prompted quite a response.   I doubted then the willingness of new organisations in this transformation to involve the patient voice. The associated engineering works to … Continue reading Blog: Local leadership in public involvement in research shows the way

Even pharma must understand the perils of Schwanning about in a storm

On New Year's Eve I took my family up 'The Shard,' London's newest and tallest landmark.  As we looked Eastwards a squall was readying itself over the North Downs; the latest in a succession of storms to batter our shores over the past few weeks.  Low-flying clouds threatened to swallow us whole.  The wind roared around … Continue reading Even pharma must understand the perils of Schwanning about in a storm

Exclusive preview! UK clinical research gets its own TV show…..Downtown eat your heart out @NIHRCRN

So here's something to make your crumpet and jam just a bit more palatable on Sunday afternoon...Thanks to NIR CRN. This week Health Sector TV will be broadcasting a programme entitled ‘Clinical Research: Making Patients and the NHS Better.’ The blurb says that this is 'an important new documentary highlighting how the Clinical Research Network (as … Continue reading Exclusive preview! UK clinical research gets its own TV show…..Downtown eat your heart out @NIHRCRN

Building ‘research active’ communities for a healthier population: a clear mission for CLAHRCs, AHSNs, LCRNs

I am in Alberta, Canada.  I have been invited over to share the UK's experiences in developing public involvement in research.  As ever, it is the similarities and not the differences between our two experiences that strike you on a visit like this. More about those another time. My good friend, Derek Stewart, yesterday wrote an excellent blog with his … Continue reading Building ‘research active’ communities for a healthier population: a clear mission for CLAHRCs, AHSNs, LCRNs

Do I detect a slight fumble of the ball in today’s Commons Select Committee report on clinical trials?

Not for the first time I was awake at 3am this morning. Cup of tea in hand, watching American football.  It's amazing how those players keep the ball when so many other players are piling on top of them.  Rarely do you see the thing break free.  They must practice for hours.... The House of Commons … Continue reading Do I detect a slight fumble of the ball in today’s Commons Select Committee report on clinical trials?

It’s NIHR Friday: NHS Trust research activity stats published

You didn't think I'd forget NIHR Friday did you? So the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Networks Co-ordinating Centre (NIHR CRN CC), together with The Guardian online, has this week published its annual performance tables for research activity in each NHS Trust in England for 2012/13. You can find the figures for your local … Continue reading It’s NIHR Friday: NHS Trust research activity stats published

It’s NIHR Friday – Public involvement: did the research network move for you?

NIHR Clinical Research Network Survey Patient and Carer (Lay) Involvement in Research: Your Experience The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) Patient and Public Involvement Steering Group is running a survey to capture how being involved in research impacts on patients and carers. You should take part in this survey if … Continue reading It’s NIHR Friday – Public involvement: did the research network move for you?