The Nuffield Council on Bioethics have today published their report: 'The collection, linking and use of data in biomedical research and health care: ethical issues' following months of inquiry by an expert working group Chaired by Professor Martin Richards. Here's a copy of the actual report. There is much coverage in the media already including the … Continue reading Nuffield report underlines importance of public participation if people are to trust how their medical records are used for research
PatientLikeMe
UK Clinical Trials Gateway (UKCTG) now shows open trials by location in early Xmas stocking filler for patients
I once wrote an article for a local rag bemoaning the state of the town's railway station. When, two days later, the council announced plans for its complete redevelopment I expressed my shame and guilt to a friend for not having known this. "Simon," he said after a long pause, "it sounds like a simple case … Continue reading UK Clinical Trials Gateway (UKCTG) now shows open trials by location in early Xmas stocking filler for patients
New websites launched for people looking to join a clinical trial; but will patients want a ‘coming together’ at some point?
This week, patients got a couple more options for finding out about clinical trials they can take part in. Patientslikeme (which was launched in the United States a few years ago) has unveiled its new new clinical trials site which you can find here. Patientslikeme is capturing a lot of attention here in the UK … Continue reading New websites launched for people looking to join a clinical trial; but will patients want a ‘coming together’ at some point?
Research is for life: making research part and parcel of the patient journey
I was very privileged to be asked to give the Furlong Christmas Lecture a few weeks ago. I hope this doesn't seem egotistical but here's the text of that lecture amended with useful links etc - it touches on and rehearses themes that will be familiar to those of you who have visited the blog … Continue reading Research is for life: making research part and parcel of the patient journey
From I Claudius to iLansley…phone apps in the new NHS
The summer break has clearly done the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, a world of good. From beating a lone path as the libertarian Claudius in the face of a centralised health service, he has resurfaced this week as the man for all seasons to launch a competition for the best ideas for … Continue reading From I Claudius to iLansley…phone apps in the new NHS
Social media leaving doctors and researchers…virtually clinic bound
I suspect this has been picked-up by someone else but an article in the US publication 'Information Week' from 11th July this year provides further data on the rise of social media (twitter, blogs, Facebook etc) as a tool by which patients are seeking and sharing health information. It actually looks at a report by … Continue reading Social media leaving doctors and researchers…virtually clinic bound
Exortic science goes kryptonite, perhaps
Today's headline is taken from the menu for my Indian take away last night which talked of 'exortic sauces.' A spelling mistake it might be but I was rather taken with the idea of my curry sauce exorting me to savour its spices. In a similar fashion do I feel the desire to devour all … Continue reading Exortic science goes kryptonite, perhaps