Research and clinical trials are an everyday part of the NHS. The people who do research are mostly the same doctors and other health professionals who treat people. They want to find better ways of looking after patients and keeping people healthy.
Health research covers a range of activities, from work in a scientific laboratory to carefully noting patterns of health and disease and developing new treatments. See the Types of research link, above.
Health and social care research looks into many different issues, from illness, disease and disability to the way that health and social care services are provided by the NHS.
Why do research?
People being cared for in the NHS benefit from past research and continue to benefit from research being carried out now.
Health professionals know a lot about health, disease and medicines, but there is much more that is uncertain (see the What we don't know link, above). Research provides answers to these uncertainties, filling gaps in knowledge and changing the way health professionals work. This means treatment and care is improved, which can save lives and add to quality of life.
Where is research done?
There is a huge range of different types of research into health and disease. While a lot of it takes place in the NHS, some of it takes place in universities and research institutes, in social care services, or in the private sector.
How is it funded?
Research that takes place in the NHS may be paid for by one of a variety of different organisations or sometimes more than one, working in partnership. They include:
- The NHS, through the National Institute for Health Research.
- The Medical Research Council.
- The Department of Health and other government departments.
- Medical research charities.
- Pharmaceutical and other healthcare companies.
However the research is funded, the people who take part in it are protected in the same way. See the Safety and regulation tab, above.
If you are asked to become involved in research you should be told who is funding it. When research is published it is normal to declare who funded it.
How can I get involved?
You may want to look for research studies yourself, by asking your doctor or a patient organisation, or by looking on the internet. You may be approached to take part in research.
Take a cautious approach and do not be afraid to ask questions. Our guide to taking part in research is a helpful start. See the Taking part tab, above.
