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Recruitment to clinical research increases in the West of England

The latest data released by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has shown that clinical research in the West of England saw a 73% increase in recruitment in the last year.


To mark International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD), the Clinical Research Network West of England has announced that 74,537 participants took part in research in the region in the financial year 2020/21, compared to 43,198 the previous year (2019/20). Participants in the region have been recruited into a total of 401 studies, with 34,192 participants volunteering in Urgent Public Health Studies.


Dr Sue Taylor, Chief Operating Officer for the CRN West of England, said:
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generous support from the public in the past year, as shown by this increase in recruitment. People have given their time to take part in a variety of studies, including research to find COVID-19 vaccines. Without their commitment, vital health research that changes lives simply could not happen.


“Recruiting patients into research studies can lead to better care, treatments and services and ultimately make a difference to people’s quality of life. Research staff across the region have worked so hard to recruit into studies during such a difficult time. On behalf of the Clinical Research Network West of England I’d like to thank them all for their incredible achievements.”


ICTD commemorates the first randomised clinical trial by Scottish physician James Lind. On 20 May 1747 he ran a study to ascertain what treatment - including citrus fruit - would best cure scurvy in sailors, which was a leading cause of death for sailors at the time.

Anyone can get involved in health research. Find out which research studies you can be involved in and how you can take part in research by visiting the Be Part of Research website.