Research Active Practice
Research at Our Practice
Our practice is a research active practice, meaning we actively support and conduct a wide range of clinical research with the aim of improving outcomes for patients. New treatments, technologies, care approaches and medical devices must be carefully and safely tested in reallife healthcare environments. Research carried out in these settings is separately funded and adds real value to patient care.
The COVID19 pandemic demonstrated the critical importance of clinical research. Research enabled the rapid development of vaccines and treatments that have saved millions of lives worldwide. More broadly, clinical research is essential for discovering new treatments, improving diagnosis, reducing disease risk, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare. It can also play a vital role in tackling waiting list backlogs and reducing pressure on the NHS.
From time to time, you may be approached or invited to consider taking part in research. Participation is always voluntary, and choosing not to take part will never affect the care you receive.
Our practice works with the NIHR North West Regional Research Delivery Network, who support us in offering highquality research opportunities to our patients. Every research study is different, and the level of involvement varies depending on the type of study. If you are invited to take part, you will always receive clear information to help you decide whether participation is right for you.
Examples of what you may be asked to do include:
- Completing a questionnaire
- Taking part in an interview
- Using a new therapy, device or website
- Taking a treatment under supervision
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) — the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England — now assesses how care organisations support and use health and care research to improve population health. The CQC’s 2021 Strategy specifically highlights the value of research in delivering highquality care.
If you do not wish to be approached about research opportunities, please contact the practice.
Our Site Research Staff
All members of our research team are GCP trained (Good Clinical Practice) and ensure that studies are delivered safely, ethically and to a high standard.
- GP Research Lead: Dr Faiza Hassan
- Research Coordinator: Mrs Kirsty Berry
- Research Nurse: Sr Jennifer Fox
Research Ready Accreditation
Research Ready® is a national quality assurance programme for researchactive GP practices. It aligns with the UK Research Governance Framework and ensures high standards of legal, ethical, professional and patient safety requirements.
Issa Medical is officially Research Ready accredited, demonstrating our commitment to delivering safe, highquality research
Be Part of Research
Our Partnership With the uMed Research Platform
We work with uMed, an accredited research technology partner. Their platform helps us identify and contact patients who may be eligible for relevant research opportunities based on their health circumstances.
Without uMed’s support, many patients would miss out on the chance to participate in important research due to the time required to identify eligible participants.
Practice Privacy Notice – Supporting Research Activity
Issa Medical uses Umedeor Ltd (uMed) as a data processor to support research and carerelated projects. This includes securely accessing and hosting health record data to identify patients who may be eligible for specific studies. uMed may contact patients on our behalf via SMS, letter, email or telephone to provide study information and collect additional details needed to assess eligibility.
Your data will never be shared externally with researchers without your explicit consent.
uMed applies the National Data OptOut to all practice data it processes. If you do not wish your data to be used for research
ACCESS Registries
Issa Medical is participating in several longterm studies known as ACCESS Registries, run by uMed. These registries follow participants over time and collect information directly from you, at home and at your convenience. Data may include questionnaires, medical device readings or DNA testing.
Current registries include:
- Parkinson’s Disease (AccessPD)
- Interstitial Lung Disease (AccessILD)
- Cardiometabolic Disease (AccessCMD)
To learn more or discuss participation, please contact uMed’s nurse support team using the email above.
Patient Research Links
If you are interested in learning more about research or getting involved yourself, the following national resources may be helpful:
- Join Dementia Research – Connects registered volunteers with dementia researchers across the UK who are looking for people to join their studies.
- Research for The Future – Offers opportunities to take part in research across a wide range of health conditions, including opportunities for healthy volunteers.
- NIHR Evidence – Provides accessible, reliable summaries of health and care research
Active Studies at our Practice
This study is aiming to find out if pregabalin is an effective anti-anxiety drug when used
on its own.
Psoriasis study is investigating if the MOVE SMART lifestyle programme increases physical activity in those affected by Psoriasis.
A digital app designed to support the self-management of hand, wrist, arm and elbow pain.
The aim of this study is to find out whether blood thinning tablets can prevent serious long-term complications if used earlier in patients with AF.
Antidepressants to prevent relapse in depression in older people. A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial to evaluate the effective and cost-effective of continuing antidepressants.
The effectiveness and cost effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in heart failure with reduced ejection fracture: a pragmatic, patient-centred, data-enabled trial in primary care.
Understanding patient perspectives on barriers and facilitators to diagnosing hidradenitis suppurativa in UK primary care.
Randomised, controlled trial of digital parent guided sleep intervention versus usual care in children aged 6-12 years with ADHD and chronic insomnia.
Completed Studies at Our Practice
Help the development of a novel assistive communication device which has the potential to improve the lives of people who have communication difficulties.
Feasibility and full-scale RCT with internal pilot of online intervention to support acne self-management.
Investigating attitudes to weight management in gynaecology patients.
Online tool that combines parenting support with helpful strategies for managing bipolar.
Investigating enablers and barriers for effective self-monitoring of blood pressure in the home setting.
A Phase 2 trial assessing the safety of a nasal flu vaccine in children aged 12-23 months to potentially expand NHS flu protection.
Aims to find out if a home-based, supervised online programme can help improve well-being after a stroke.
Preventing depression in young people who have a parent with a history of depression.