Join a research study to contribute to ground-breaking discoveries that will benefit you and others in the future. Clinical research helps improve healthcare by studying new treatments, medications, and medical approaches.
Your participation in research studies is voluntary and you can withdraw yourself at any time, without needing to provide an explanation.
Please browse through the information below to find out more about research, the studies we are involved in and how you can get involved.
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What is research?
Clinical research is a branch of healthcare science that involves studying human health and illness to develop new treatments, improve medical practices, and enhance overall patient care. It encompasses various types of studies aimed at understanding diseases, evaluating the safety and effectiveness of new medical interventions, and improving healthcare delivery. Clinical research can take many different forms, including trialling new treatments, testing patient focussed tools, or filling out surveys.
Why does the practice get involved?
At Mount Pleasant Health Centre, we are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving care through research. By participating in studies, we contribute to innovations that enhance patient outcomes, refine best practices, and shape the future of healthcare. We believe that research is vital in driving progress, ensuring that the services we provide are informed by the latest evidence. Through our involvement in studies, we aim to improve understanding, develop better treatments, and ultimately make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Mount Pleasant Health Centre works with the Research Delivery Network South West Peninsula (which is part of the National Institute for Health & Care Research) to identify appropriate patients for research studies. All studies are ethically approved and selected specially for primary care.
As a patient of our practice, you may be invited to take part in research. There is no obligation to take part and if you decline it will not affect your treatment in any way.
You are not obliged to finish research studies and you can withdraw yourself at any time, without needing to provide an explanation.
How does it benefit me as a patient?
Participating in research can provide a range of benefits:
- An opportunity to contribute to advancements in medical knowledge, helping improve treatments for your condition and others in the future.
- Access to cutting-edge treatments and personalised care, often at no cost.
- Close monitoring by healthcare professionals, giving you more detailed attention.
- Some studies may offer financial compensation for your time & travel costs (please contact the research study team to find out more).
By joining a study, you not only gain potential health benefits but you also play a vital role in shaping the future of medicine.
While research may involve risks, studies are designed with strict safety measures, and your participation is always voluntary.
Want to learn more about research? Watch the videos below to see how research studies are making a difference:
Bryan’s story (Patient): https://youtu.be/1qDCVa21t3I?si=MZWq-tBCsQgTDcVd
Anna’s Story (Research Fellow): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfrKZ8wBpmY
Lisa’s Story (Research GP): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fIlo3fyPKc
How can I get involved?
Each research study will recruit patients through various means, which may include:
- A GP or a Nurse talking to you about a specific research study, and asking if you would like to participate.
- Receiving information from the practice about a research study that would be suitable for your involvement.
- Viewing research study advertisements on our website, social media channels or in the practice waiting room and contacting the relevant organisation.
Consent Form: Should you choose to participate in a study, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This form will outline which sections of your notes (if any) may be viewed for the research purposes. Your contact details and medical records will not be shared with anyone outside of the practice without your explicit consent.
Active Research Studies
We are currently involved in a range of research studies. Please browse through the list below and get in contact with the relevant organisation if you would like to participate in a study.
Study 1: Acne Care Online
This study is trying to see if their a new website, developed by doctors and young people, can help people aged 13-25 years to manage their acne. The whole study can be completed online and via any device, such as a smartphone.
Research Body: This study is funded by the NIHR, which is part of the NHS, and is being run by the University of Southampton.
| Eligibility Requirements | Location | Get in contact to join the study |
| You must be aged between 13 to 25 and have access to a smartphone. | This study can be completed online via a device such as a smartphone, tablet or personal computer. | Telephone: 02380 590742
Email: acnecare@soton.ac.uk |
Learn More > Download Poster
Study 2: Ultrasound-detected changes in hand Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis and one of the leading causes of disability in adults. Osteoarthritis affects joints that are found between bones that move against each other and is common in the hands. People with hand osteoarthritis sometimes experience hand pain, stiffness, and impaired function. We aim to investigate ultrasound-detected features of hand osteoarthritis and their association with the different forms of hand osteoarthritis.
Research Body: This study is funded by the NIHR, which is part of the NHS, and is being run by Exeter University.
| Eligibility Requirements | Location | Get in contact to join the study |
| Individuals with a diagnosis of hand Osteoarthritis. | This study will be conducted in person and will require an examination, photographs, an X-Ray, an ultrasound assessment, brief questions and a one-hour visit to the Imaging Suite at St Luke’s Campus, Exeter EX1 2LT | Email: uschangesinhandoa@exeter.ac.uk |
Learn More > Download Poster
Study 3: High Cholesterol
Description: The MK0616-015 clinical research study is testing a new medication to see how well it lowers cholesterol compared to a placebo (a look-alike with no active ingredients). Researchers will also study how participants tolerate the medication and if it helps reduce cardiovascular events.
Research Body: This study is funded by the NIHR, which is part of the NHS, and is being run by the NIHR Patient Recruitment Centre: Exeter
| Eligibility Requirements | Location | Get in contact to join the study |
You may be able to take part in this study if you are at least 18 years of age, are taking cholesterol medication with or without supplements to control your cholesterol, and have had a cardiovascular event, such as one of the following:
You may also be eligible if you are aged 50 or older, taking cholesterol medication with or without supplements to control your cholesterol, and are considered at high risk of a major cardiovascular event because you have health concerns, such as blockages in 2 or more arteries; or you are 60 or older and have risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure. There are additional requirements that must be met in order to take part in this study. |
This study may require face-to-face consultations. | Tel: 01392 406289
Email: rduh.prcexeter@nhs.net |
Learn More > Download Poster
Study 4: Feeling Lonely or Isolated?
Description: Imperial College London Department of Primary Care & Public Health is conducting The Measuring Loneliness (INTERACT) Study. You can help take part by completing the brief survey which is available in several languages.
You can access the survey using the QR code in the poster (see below), or by opening the weblink below on your smartphone, tablet or personal computer. The short (less than 5 minutes) anonymized survey is available in several languages & can be accessed by following this link: https://imperial.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2uIyxcCD7JYbKyq
Research Body: Imperial College London is the study sponsor. There is no funding for this research which is being done as part of a Masters in Public Health (MPH) dissertation. Imperial College London is the main research Sponsor for this study.
| Eligibility Requirements | Location | Get in contact to join the study |
| This survey can be completed by anyone experiencing feelings of loneliness or isolation. | This study can be completed online via a device such as a smartphone, tablet or personal computer. | Tel: 0207 594 7604
Email: a.el-osta@imperial.ac.uk |
Learn More > Download Poster Patient Information Sheet
Who coordinates research studies?
Most research studies are funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) who work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, patients and the public to fund, enable and deliver research that improves people’s health and wellbeing.
For further information about NIHR and what they do, click the button below.
Learn More >Our practice research team
Our practice research team consists of:
- Doctors (GPs)
- Nurses
- Administrators
- Other healthcare professionals
For further details about our research, please email our Research Lead, Sal Stapley at sal.stapley@nhs.net
National Data Opt-Out
From 25th May 2018, the national data opt-out enables patients to opt out from their data being used for research and planning purposes, in line with the recommendations of the National Data Guardian.
Patients are able to view or change their national data opt-out choice at any time by visiting www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters or by opening the NHS app:
- Select Your Health
- Select Choose about your health records data
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | |
| What is a research study? | A research study is a scientific investigation designed to answer specific questions about health, treatments, or medical procedures. These studies help improve medical knowledge and patient care. |
| How can I find out about research studies I may be eligible for? | For information on our active research studies which you may be eligible for, please browse through the list above. You may also be able to participate in research studies that we aren’t involved in here: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/ |
| Who can participate in a research study? | Each study has specific eligibility criteria, such as age, health conditions, or previous treatments. Some studies are open to all volunteers, while others focus on patients with certain conditions. |
| How do I know if I qualify for a study? | Researchers will review your medical history and current health to determine if you meet the study’s eligibility criteria. You may need to undergo screening tests. |
| Can I participate in more than one study at a time? | It depends on the studies. Some may allow it, but others may not because participation in multiple studies could affect the results. |
| What happens if I want to leave a study after joining? | You can leave a study at any time for any reason. Your decision will not affect your access to medical care in any way. |
| Is participating in a research study safe? | Research studies follow strict safety guidelines. However, there may be risks, which will be explained to you before you decide to participate. |
| Will I be monitored for side effects or risks? | Yes, researchers will closely monitor your health throughout the study. If any issues arise, they will take appropriate action. |
| What are the potential benefits of participating in research? |
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| Will I be paid for participating? | Some studies offer compensation for your time and travel expenses, while others do not. The study team will inform you about any compensation. |
| Do I have to pay to be in a research study? | Most research studies do not require payment. Some may cover medical costs, while others may require insurance coverage. This will be explained before you join. |
| What happens when the study is over? | Researchers analyse the data to determine the study’s results. If the treatment is effective, it may become available to the public. |
| How do research findings help future patients? | Study results help develop new treatments, improve healthcare guidelines, and advance medical knowledge for future patients. |
Page updated: 31st March 2025
Page created: 2nd January 2025