Clinical Research
Is it Research?
HRA Decision Tool
The aim of this decision tool is to help you decide whether or not your study is research as defined by the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research.
HRA Defining Research Table
Distinguish between research, service evaluation and clinical audit.
Research Support
Health Research Authority (HRA)
HRA's core purpose is to "protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research". They are one of a number of organisations that work together in the UK to regulate different aspects of health and social care research.
HRA approval information available from here.
National Institute of Research Research (NIHR)
NIHR are the "nation's largest funder of health and care research and provide the people, facilities, and technology that enable research to thrive".
NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN)
The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) supports patients, the public and health and care organisations across England to participate in high-quality research, advancing knowledge and improving care.
NIHR Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Training
It is important that everyone involved in research is trained or appropriately experienced to perform the specific tasks they are being asked to undertake. GCP training is a requirement set out in the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research developed by the Health Research Authority for researchers conducting clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs).
Integrated Research Application System (IRAS)
This is the web system where all ethics applications are done. You will have to create your own account. There is a tutorial if needed, although you can get help from R&D.
INVOLVE
INVOLVE is a national advisory group that supports greater public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research. INVOLVE is funded by and part of the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)
UK Health & Social Care Research Framework
This policy framework sets out principles of good practice in the management and conduct of health and social care research in the UK.
Be Part of Research
To help you find out about health and social care research that is taking place across the UK.
EQUATOR Network
The EQUATOR Network works to improve the reliability and value of medical research literature by promoting transparent and accurate reporting of research studies.
Key reporting guidelines including CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA here.
Toolkits for research authors, editors and guideline developers here.
Research Partners
Institute for Cardiovascular Medicine & Science (ICMS)
The Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine and Science (ICMS) is "a world-class body drawing on the combined clinical expertise of its founding partners, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust".
Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science (LCCS)
"Supporting the citizens of Liverpool City Region to live healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke".
Liverpool Health Partners
Mission is to "to unify the clinical and academic strengths of Cheshire & Merseyside to improve population health outcomes and economic productivity".
LHCH Research
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital aims to deliver research of the highest quality into new and improved therapies, techniques and models of care, whilst maximising the potential of innovation to improve patient care.
For many years Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital has pioneered service user involvement in all aspects of the hospital environment. The hospital is recognised as a national leader in the involvement of patients and families in research. The Trust’s vision of service user involvement in research led to the establishment of the Service User Research Endeavour (SURE) Group with patients and families given wide responsibilities in the context of research. For further information email SURE@lhch.nhs.uk.
Clinical Trials
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Visit the MHRA website to find out if your clinical trial needs MHRA authorisation.
The MHRA is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health.
Trials Registers and Registries
Visit the Online Resources page for details.