Millbrook Surgery is proud to participate in primary care research. Patients recruited to research studies often experience improved, more thorough care and gain a sense of contributing to broader societal health improvements. We work closely with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to deliver high quality research opportunities within primary care. To find out more you can visit their website – Homepage | NIHR
Our involvement in medical research means we regularly invite patients and staff to participate in studies, whether through questionnaires, clinical appointments, or targeted research invitations. You may get invited via email/text or letter to participate in a study that is relevant to your condition. Participating in a research study is completely voluntary and if you chose not to participate – your care is in no way affected. If you do participate in a study, you have the right to withdraw at any time.
Current Studies we are involved in:
The ASYMPTOMATIC study aims to find out whether taking a preventer inhaler only when a child, with mild asthma, has symptoms is as effective as taking it every day.
For many years children with asthma have been advised to use inhaled corticosteroids, their preventer inhaler, every day. But new guidelines suggest that children might not need to do this. These new guidelines are based on results from studies in adults, and some teenagers, with asthma. Asthma in adults is different from asthma in children and so we need to do the ASYMPTOMATIC study to provide evidence on whether taking a preventer inhaler only when a child, with mild asthma, has symptoms is as effective as taking it every day.
We will invite children and young people with mild asthma, to take part in ASYMPTOMATIC. This will involve using one of two different approaches to using a preventer inhaler, for 12 months.
- Taking their preventer inhaler every day
- Taking their preventer inhaler only when they have symptoms of asthma
We want to find out whether there is a difference between the two approaches in terms the chances of having an asthma attack, asthma symptoms, hospital admissions, and overall quality of life.
Patients with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of stroke, blood clots and memory problems in later life that can lead to dementia.
We don’t currently know whether giving blood thinning medication can reduce this risk if given to patients earlier than they would normally receive. The aim of this study is to find out whether these newer blood thinning tablets can prevent serious long-term complications if used earlier in patients with AF.
This trial will randomly assign patients to either continuing their current care (starting blood thinners when they are older) or given a blood thinning medication at a younger age.
If you meet the specific criteria and participate in this study, you will not need extra visits to your doctor. You will be sent a questionnaire every 6 months to complete on your mobile phone or any internet connected device.
Modern treatment has greatly improved quality of life and survival for people with heart failure. However, heart failure is a common contributing factor to acute and chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, many drugs used to treat heart failure can also impair kidney function. Kidney impairment associated with heart failure drugs is the second most common adverse drug reaction resulting in hospitalisation, and this is the problem which we wish to address. In the computational study we will recruit patients to take part in an adaptive patient centred scheduling system which will automatically determine the frequency of blood monitoring, and it is hoped will improve patient care and prevent hospital admission by spotting and acting on a decline in kidney function early.
This study aims to understand how the functioning of the brain, and our health and wellbeing change as we age. The study will look at how certain genes and lifestyle factors (such as exercise or education) affect the way our brain ages and influence our health as we get older. This will provide valuable information about the brain and could inform future research to prevent conditions such as dementia. Participants complete in depth annual validated cognitive and mental health assessments in addition to providing rich data on lifestyle, medical and demographic factors.
Health and care research helps improve treatments, services, and outcomes.
By taking part, you can help shape the future of healthcare.
You can take part whether you are healthy or living with a health condition.
Why take part?
- Life-changing treatments start with people like you
- Both healthy people and people with health conditions are needed
- You can choose studies that suit your time and location
- Taking part helps improve care now and in the future
How it works
Be Part of Research makes it easier to find and take part in research.
- Sign up online and choose your interests
- Get matched to suitable studies
- Receive clear information about what’s involved
The decision to take part is always yours.
What is it?
Join Dementia Research connects volunteers with dementia researchers across the UK who are looking for people to take part in studies. Both healthy people and people with a diagnosis can take part.
What happens when you register?
- Your information is used to match you to suitable studies
- You may be matched to online, national or local opportunities
- You can review study matches and decide whether to take part
Why it matters
Taking part helps improve:
- Dementia care
- Diagnosis
- Treatment and support
The decision to take part is always yours.
Nearly 1 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with heart failure, where their hearts can’t pump blood around the body properly. It is a long-term condition that can affect quality of life and how people function day-to day. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutrient sold as a supplement in many chemists and health food shops. It is naturally found in food such as meat, fish, and nuts. Some studies have shown that CoQ10 might benefit people with heart failure. However, more research is needed to be sure whether CoQ10 can help people with heart failure by: • Improving symptoms and quality of life • Reducing the care that they need.
What happens if I take part?
• You will be asked to take three capsules a day for 12 months and complete five questionnaires.
• You will receive a £10 voucher for each questionnaire you complete (up to £50).
• You can do everything from home (you will not need to visit a GP or hospital).
HRT and Cognition Research Study
Are you about to start taking HRT for the first time? We’d like to invite you to take part in a research study looking at how Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may influence memory and thinking, run by researchers at Brighton & Sussex Medical School.
You may be eligible if you’re a female aged 40–60 who is about to start HRT for the first time. The study involves completing online questionnaires and memory/thinking activities at home before starting HRT, then again after 3 months and 9 months (around 1 hour each timepoint), plus returning a simple inner cheek swab by post for genetic analysis.
By taking part, you’ll be helping researchers better understand brain health during menopause – an area where much more research is needed. As a thank you, you’ll receive a £20 gift voucher after completing the study.
Please note: the first study session must be completed BEFORE you take your first HRT dose. This will take approximately 1 hour and can be completed at home on your own computer at any time of day.
