Crocus Medical Practice supports approved research that helps improve patient outcomes, develop new treatments, enhance services, and shape the future of healthcare.

Medical research plays an important role in advancing healthcare knowledge and improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease for current and future generations.

Why Research Matters

Research helps the NHS to:

• Improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
• Develop new medicines and therapies.
• Better understand health conditions and diseases.
• Improve the quality and safety of healthcare services.
• Support the planning and delivery of NHS services.

Many of the treatments and services available today are the result of research carried out within GP practices, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.

How Patients May Be Involved

From time to time, eligible patients may be invited to take part in approved research studies.

Participation might involve:

• Completing questionnaires or surveys.
• Attending additional appointments.
• Taking part in interviews or discussion groups.
• Allowing researchers to access relevant health information.
• Participating in clinical trials or observational studies.

Taking part in research is entirely voluntary.

Your Choice

You do not have to take part in any research study.

If you are invited to participate:

• You will be given clear information about the study.
• You will have the opportunity to ask questions.
• You can decide whether or not to take part.
• You can withdraw from a study at any time without affecting your care or treatment.

Your decision will not impact the NHS services you receive.

How Your Information Is Used

Research organisations may sometimes ask for access to patient information to identify potential participants or to support approved research projects.

Any use of patient information is subject to strict:

• UK GDPR requirements
• Data Protection Act 2018
• NHS confidentiality rules
• Ethical and governance approvals

Where possible, information used for research is anonymised or pseudonymised so that individuals cannot be directly identified.

Where identifiable information is required, this will only occur where there is an appropriate legal basis or where patient consent has been obtained.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Protecting patient confidentiality is a priority.

Any research involving patient information must meet strict standards for:

• Privacy
• Security
• Confidentiality
• Ethical approval
• Information governance

Only authorised individuals involved in approved research projects may access information where permitted.

Research in General Practice

As a research-active Practice, Crocus Medical Practice may work with:

• NHS organisations
• Universities
• Research networks
• Public health bodies
• Approved healthcare research organisations

All research activities are carefully reviewed to ensure they are appropriate, ethical, and in the best interests of patients.

Interested in Taking Part?

If you would like to know more about research opportunities available through the Practice, please speak to a member of our team.

Further information about health research can also be found at:

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
www.nihr.ac.uk