By taking part in research you can help the NHS, public health and social care find better ways to care for and treat people, making them healthier and happier for longer. Below are just some of the ways you can be a part of it in our region.
Be Part of Research is a service that makes it easy for the public to learn about and search for research studies. Discover how research studies are designed, what happens when you decide to take part and the importance of taking part.
You can:
Once you’ve found a study, you can see all the details including who to contact and ask to take part.
Whether you have been diagnosed with a condition or not, everyone can take part in research. Find a study that’s right for you.
Discover is a health research register for North West London, designed to empower more patients and members of the public to take part in health research.
If you live in North West London, then Discover is your opportunity to contribute to health research. Often people who want to contribute to this kind of research (whether they’re unwell or not) don’t know where to start or who to ask. Researchers have a similar problem – they want to improve healthcare, but sometimes can’t find people to participate in studies.
Discover is a way to bridge this gap, bringing the public and researchers together. It is a register of any adults (18 and over) living in North West London who are interested in health research and want to find out more about health research opportunities.
Health research is vital to improving the quality of healthcare and people’s health. With your help, we can improve healthcare services in North West London and beyond, and find better ways to treat and prevent illness and disease.
Join Dementia Research is a nationwide service, delivered in partnership with leading dementia charities, helping to accelerate vital dementia research in the UK.
Working like a matchmaking service, simply register your details and a researcher will be in touch when an appropriate study becomes available.
People with dementia or memory problems, their carers and anyone who is interested can sign up. You can sign up online, over the phone or by post.
Once registered, you can decide if you would like to participate in the studies you match to on a case-by-case basis, with no obligation. Visit the Join Dementia Research website.
We are also looking for Research Champions to help us promote Join Dementia Research in North West London (see Research Champion section below).
20 May 2022
Sharon signed-up to a COVID-19 vaccine trial at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in North West London.
12 April 2022
Nicholas is taking part in a COVID-19 study at St Mary’s Hospital in North West London, exploring the long-term impact of the virus.
13 July 2021
Tina took part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial in North West London.
08 June 2021
Robert hadn’t seen the inside of a hospital for years. But COVID-19 led to a stint in intensive care. He’s now taking part in research in North West London looking into the long-term impact of the virus.
13 May 2021
Clare shares her experience of taking part in COVID-19 vaccine research in North West London.
We're looking for people to help us raise awareness of the research taking place in North West London by becoming Research Champions.
Research Champions volunteer their time to help spread the word about health and care research to patients and the public. They also help research and healthcare staff understand more about the experiences of those who take part in research.
Anyone! Research Champions are patients, carers, members of the public, people who have taken part in a research study before, as well as those who haven’t. Something that they all have in common is that they are passionate about getting more people involved in research so that we can develop better care and treatments for everyone.
You may already be involved in raising awareness of research, for example in your local NHS Trust or in your local community - becoming a Research Champion will help you in your current role by giving you access to extra training and invitations to events where you meet other Champions and share experiences and ideas.
What you contribute as a Research Champion will be shaped around your interests, skills and time. You can volunteer as little or as much as you like. We are especially interested in finding out from you what you would like to do and how we can support you!
Activities could include helping run a research stand in a hospital or GP reception, talking to NHS staff about research, or sharing your story (read local volunteer experiences here).
Everyone who becomes a Research Champion is asked to complete a short induction session where we cover all aspects of research.
Once you've completed this, you can access the an Research Champions Community Space. This is a online learning platform and forum developed by Research Champions, for Research Champions, and aims to support learning, networking, and the opportunity to exchange ideas.
Get in touch: ppie.crnnwl@nihr.ac.uk
Research is a partnership between participant and researcher. Every year, we ask hundreds of people who have volunteered for health research to feedback on their experience so we can make improvements through the Participant Research Experience Survey.
If you've recently taken part in a research study in North West London, we'd like to hear about your experience. You can complete the survey online.
If you are a researcher or healthcare professional who would like to offer the survey to your study participants please email ppie.crnnwl@nihr.ac.uk.
