What are Clinical Trials??
Clinical trials are a form of research that looks at particular medicines and whether they are safe and effective in people. Doctors use clinical research studies to compare current treatments with potentially better ones, so that we can keep improving the care we offer our patients.
Research is part of the core work of the NHS. People who take part in studies often feel that they are taking an active part in their health care and helping others, by helping to identify the best treatments.
In recent years, more than half a million NHS patients chose to take part in nearly 3000 clinical research studies. Thanks to those patients, we are learning more all the time about how to deal with a whole range of medical conditions and make some real breakthroughs that will improve thousands of lives.
How is pharmacy involved in clinical trials??
There are specialised staff within the department who are specifically involved in clinical trials; the dispensary team are involved with oral medicines and the aseptic team are involved with injectable medicines. Pharmacy is involved from the initial set up of a trial, right through to the end of a trial. Any medicine given to a patient within a trial is supplied by pharmacy and it is our responsibility to ensure patients receive the treatment assigned to them. To ensure safety throughout the trial, our procedures are continually reviewed and designed to support this. All medicines used within trials have to be carefully stored and monitored throughout and pharmacy play a vital role in doing this.
Which clinical areas at Dudley are involved in clinical trials?
Clinical trials that are open here cover a broad range of specialities such as:
Cardiology
Dermatology
Haematology
Oncology
Obstetrics
Neonatal and Paediatrics
Rheumatology
If you have a medical condition and are undergoing treatment, you can speak to your nurse or consultant about clinical research, and whether it might be right for you. In many cases doctors will tell patients about research but patients can ask about it if they are interested.
