Research is essential to find out which treatments work better for patients. It plays an important role in discovering new treatments, and making sure that we use existing treatments in the best possible ways, including treating different health problems. Research can find answers to things that are unknown, filling gaps in knowledge and changing the way that healthcare professionals work. Some of the common aims for conducting research studies are to:
- Diagnose diseases and health problems
- Prevent the development or recurrence of disease and reduce the number of people who become ill
- Treat illness to improve survival rates or increase the number of people who are cured
- Improve the quality of life for people living with illness
Research and clinical trials are an everyday part of the NHS. People being cared for in the NHS benefit from past research, and continue to benefit from research that is currently being carried out. Ultimately, high-quality clinical research helps the NHS to improve future healthcare. Studies have shown that hospitals that are research active have better outcomes for all patients and service users (not just those who take part in a particular trial) and our researchers are committed to improving healthcare for all.
International Clinical Trials Day is on the 20th May, the purpose of this day is to recognise the people who conduct and participate in clinical trials. It is a way to say “thank you” for their efforts to improve public health.
This day of celebration also provides the research community with a unique opportunity to raise awareness of clinical trials (and of clinical research as a career option) among the greater public.
Why May 20th? The first widely recognised clinical trial was started May 20 1747, when James Lind attempting to research the benefits of citrus fruits preventing scurvy on the ship, HMS Salisbury.
The #Red4Research campaign was an initiative created in 2020 by Sally Humphreys, a nurse, researcher and chair of the NHS R&D Forum research management working group. Researchers, study participants and members of the public dedicate the day to recognise the efforts of all of those involved in COVID-19 research, by promoting the #Red4Research campaign annually. It is hoped that the momentum behind COVID-19 research can be shared across common disease areas and help accelerate research into cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, dementia and more.
#Red4Research is completely inclusive – anyone, any age, anywhere can participate – children, adults, even pets! The concept is very simple. Wear any item of red clothing, download/print or make a placard saying #Red4Research, take a photo and post it on social media with the #Red4Research hashtag. #Red4Research is all about positivity, creativity and support in the face of adversity.
As research is only possible by working together locally, nationally and internationally the campaign was supported last year by people in America, Australia, Chile, Italy, Spain, Malaysia and India as well as the UK.
Please click here for reference and more information.
Better research leads to better services for the public. That’s why the NIHR want to encourage organisations and social care and public health professionals to play an active role in research, as a way to deliver even better services. To find out more please click here.