Clinical Research at Pathfields
Did you know that we take part in Clinical Research?
Pathfields Medical Group is proud to be involved in clinical research studies within primary care.
We are part of the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network for the South West Peninsula. Its aim is to improve the care for all patients by obtaining evidence for better prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in Primary Care and we are actively involved in recruiting for a number of studies currently taking place.
We’re excited to share news of our partnership with seasoned NIHR CRN (National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network) experts, seamlessly integrated into our practice team.
In the pursuit of advancing medical research, these professionals, alongside our practice team, may access your patient record for pre-consented activities. This involves identifying potential eligibility for research opportunities and supporting recruitment and follow-up for clinical trials.
This process operates under the lawful bases of Article 6 (public task) and Article 9 (substantial public interest) of the GDPR. Be assured, that your privacy and data security are rigorously safeguarded.
This collaboration also supports NIHR and NHS’s pursuit in improving equality to access research. Any eligible individuals will be contacted by the practice, and their consent will be requested before any further processing takes place.
Current Research Studies
Light CARE Study
(Closed for recruitment)
This study will last for 2 years and you will receive one of two programmes to help you lose weight. One group will try the new intensive weight loss treatment and participants in the other group will be referred to local NHS or community options available in their area for weight loss. You will not have a choice over which treatment you get.
If you are placed in the new weight loss treatment group, you will receive support from a health coach for two years to help you lose weight and keep the weight off. You will be asked to try a total diet replacement diet, which will consist of soups, shakes and meals to replace all foods for 12 weeks and then, with support, to switch to a healthy, sustainable diet.
If you are placed into to the usual care group you will discuss locally available weight loss programmes with your GP and can be referred to an appropriate one.
LightCARE — Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences | University of Oxford
RSC Virology Swabs
If you or a member of your family have had a flu-like illness or a respiratory infection within the last 10 days you may be able to help monitor the spread of respiratory viruses.
Every year, there are a range of respiratory viruses circulating across communities. The Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research & Surveillance Centre (RSC) have been monitoring the spread of the respiratory viruses with swabs for over 50 years, tracking new viruses as they appear. We look at the spread of respiratory viruses across the country every week to inform public health policy and use the information to help understand the effectiveness of vaccines against those viruses. Please see the RSC's Patient Virology Poster for more information.
DEPICTION
Diabetes in Primary Care: Improving Classification
This Practice recently participated in a research study sponsored by the University of Exeter, in collaboration with the Universities of Nottingham and Bristol, to improve the diagnosis and classification of diabetes in adults.
The Practice team used computer programme to check that patients have been diagnosed with the correct form of diabetes.
Some people with diabetes will be contacted for a follow-up appointment to review their diagnosis and treatment.
Research Team Contact: DePICtion@exeter.ac.uk
