Why get involved?

Evidence suggests that patients who receive care in research-active institutions have better health outcomes than patients who are treated in a non-research environment, so by joining the research community you are actively helping to drive up the standard of healthcare for yourself and other patients.

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is a large, multi-faceted and nationally distributed organisation, funded through the Department of Health (DOH) to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.  Their recent “Research changed my life” campaign highlighted the breadth of benefits that patients derive from participation in clinical research and found that:

• people who take part in a clinical trial may have access to newer and perhaps more effective treatments
• some people fell they are taking part in a positive experience and they are taking an active part in their healthcare
• during trials people often have more regular check-ups, tests and support from doctors and nurses
• taking part could also benefit future generations by helping to find more effective treatments and cures

The NIHR’s “Research changed my life” campaign also highlighted the personal experiences of patients who have been involved in clinical research.

As well as conducting research into Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders, the Royal Free is involved in many other research focused specialities including haemophilia, transplantation and immunology, oncology, renal disease, musculoskeletal conditions and infectious diseases.