PRC: Leicester celebrates first anniversary
In November 2020, the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) launched five national Patient Recruitment Centres (PRCs) in Blackpool, Bradford, Exeter, Leicester and Newcastle. The aim of the new centres is to facilitate greater delivery capacity for late-phase commercial clinical research. These new centres, embedded in local NHS trusts, make research more accessible to the public and increase the amount of people involved in research.
PRC: Leicester opened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research staff involved in running studies have worked tirelessly and rapidly to meet the associated demands.
The team opened an urgent public health COVID-19 vaccine trial, ENSEMBLE-2, within weeks of the centre opening. There were only 12 weeks between the study proposal and the first participant recruited. The initial recruitment target of 350 participants was met just six week after recruiting the first participant. In total 569 participants were consented and randomised, weeks ahead of the target date.
Working with its regional partner, the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) East Midlands, PRC: Leicester embedded a participant satisfaction survey seamlessly into the study processes. This was used to further improve participant experience and 96 per cent of participants said they were willing to take part in research again.
During its first year, PRC: Leicester has also successfully run two diabetes trials.
The ADAPT study is investigating the use of a new hybrid close loop insulin delivery system, which automates both glucose monitoring and insulin delivery for the user. This study recruited to target within three weeks and has been well received by participants.
The SURPASS-CVOT trial is investigating if a novel medicine for type 2 diabetes could reduce the risk of heart disease as well as control blood sugar and facilitate weight loss. This study recruited its first participant within 13 days of opening.
As PRC: Leicester enters its second year more studies are on the horizon. Keep up-to-date with opportunities to be part of research.
If you would like to run your study with PRC: Leicester, find out more on our website or email: PRCLeicester@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
