Taking part in a research study...is it for me?

Taking Part in a Research Study... Is it for me?

Patient Information

Research Department

• Author ID: HS / AR
• Leaflet Ref: Res 002
• Version: 8
• Leaflet title: Taking Part in a Research study…Is it for me?
• Last review: February 2025
• Expiry Date: February 2027

Introduction

Research is an integral part of world-class healthcare.  At WWL we are constantly seeking to improve and to be able to offer all our patients the opportunity to take part in research and for patients to have a voice in the development of new research which is relevant to them.

We see research as fundamental to everything we do and our Research Strategy “Research for All”  outlines our plans to encourage more research both in hospital and in the community, delivered closer to our residents’ homes and reaching those who wouldn’t ordinarily have access to new treatments offered through research.If you are a patient attending one of our hospitals or community sites, or if you are a resident in the Wigan Borough, you may be approached to take part in research by experienced Research Staff who are qualified and trained to deliver research across all areas of WWL.

Clinical studies may compare the results of possible treatments to see if one is better, or as good as the other.  Some research studies do not involve trying new treatments but gather information through questionnaires and your medical data to help to understand how conditions impact on people’s lives. 

Within Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust we have numerous ongoing research projects across all our service areas.  Many of these studies are carried out in partnership with local universities and health and social care organisations.

Our Research Team

Our Research Team work together to ensure that each research study is run safely and to a high standard.  The team includes research nurses, research practitioners and administrators, doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and scientists. 

Taking Part in Research   

You may be approached  about a study that you may be eligible for when you attend your clinic appointment. A member of the Research Team will explain the study to you and what is involved, and will give you time to consider if this is something you want to be involved in. 

Please feel free to ask for more information about studies being carried out within our Trust and whether you might be eligible to take part.   Our contact details are at the end of this leaflet.

Participation in research is voluntary

Participation in research is always voluntary and you do not have to take part if you do not wish to do so. If you do decide to participate, you are free to withdraw from the research study at any time without affecting your current or future treatment.  All information about you is anonymised, stored securely, treated in strictest confidence and is not passed on to anyone outside the research team without your consent.

Not everyone is eligible to take part in a study

All research studies are designed with a list of criteria to decide who will be eligible to take part.  This is usually deterimined by checking your current medical records but mayinvolve taking a detailed medical history and sometimes additional tests such as blood tests, x-rays or scans to decide if you are suitable for the study. 

Informed consent

Before taking part in any research study you will have a discussion with a member of the research team who will explain everything that will happen during the study.  You will be given information to read and time to consider the information before being asked to sign a consent form. As a minimum, this consent form will ask for:

• confirmation that you have read and understood the information that was given
• confirmation that you are aware of potential risks and benefits of taking part in the study
• your agreement to be included in the research study and the activities involved
• your permission for your information and/or your bodily samples to be included in the study
• your permission for the research team to access your medical records

Potential benefits of taking part in research and clinical trials include:

• All clinical trials are very closely monitored. 
• Your general health and well-being is constantly checked during the trial, and potentially more often than with ‘usual care’. 
• You have a team of research nurses who will look after you. 
• Sometimes the medication or treatment is very new and is not yet available in routine care in the NHS.

Further considerations

When taking part in research you are receiving special treatment but your role when taking part is just as important as the care you will receive for the research to run successfully.  You will be expected to attend the hospital when required but will be advised of the number of visits involved before you consent to take part, and you will be asked to follow all instructions, for example, being asked to report any other illnesses, fasting before blood tests and reporting any adverse effects of the treatment (adverse effects to be reported will be outlined for you to enable you to decide if you should report to them to the Team). Before any appointments, it is a good idea to make a list of any questions that you have so that these can be answered in a timely manner.

Our patients’ experience 

“A place on a drugs trial was a chance to receive a medication in a safe way which was otherwise unavailable.  Before any treatment, all was fully explained, and I was given time to consider if I would like to take part.   I knew that I could always stop the treatment at any time if I decided to. When I agreed to treatment, I was given a lot of information to read.  Do not worry if you struggle to read or fully understand this.  Just ask the trials nurse about any concerns that you have or do not understand, and they will explain in plain English so that all is made clear to you.” 

“Taking part in a clinical trial enabled me to try more effective medication whilst being very closely monitored across a broad range of measurements.  This gave me confidence in the treatment and reassurance about my general health”.

For further information on taking part in a research study please contact: 

Research Department 

Tel: 0300 707 2427

E-mail: ResearchAdmin@wwl.nhs.uk 

Wrightington Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Wrightington Hospital

Clinical Research Hub,

Queens Road,

Ashton-in-Makerfield,

WN4 8LB