Get involved in research

Every minute in the UK, a person is diagnosed with a condition or disease. Research is vital to improving the care we receive when we are unwell, as the treatments used are based on research studies.

Due to those who have participated in research, it is now possible to:

  • Improve diagnosis time and accuracy of illness
  • Understand how to prevent conditions from developing
  • Fight new strains
  • Access new life changing treatments
  • Ease suffering and improve care
  • Faster recovery times
  • Being able to take an active role in own care

What to consider when taking part:

  • Every research study will have its own specific requirements depending on the research study you decide to participate in.
  • Your involvement, time required, benefits and risks of the study will depend on the research taking place. However, every study involves ethical checks and approvals by regulatory bodies. You will be kept well informed every step of the way and this can be discussed with members of the research team.
  • Your information will be kept confidential, and you can withdraw from the study at any stage – this will not change the way you receive your usual standard of care.
  • Taking part doesn’t necessarily mean you will receive a new treatment.

How to get involved with Research

If you are interested in taking part in research, please consult your Doctor to see if there are any studies you may be eligible for. You can also contact us on huh-tr.riadmin@nhs.net.

An online service run by the NIHR called 'Be Part of Research' is now available to join through the NHS app. People are able to use this platform to search what research studies are taking place for a variety of health conditions, and at locations they are able to access. To find out more about this, click the following link: 

If you would like to find out more about participating in research and how to get involved, please visit the following links.

Black Health Legacy

What is Black Health Legacy?

Black Health Legacy is a long-term research study for Black, Black African and Black Caribbean people that aims to improve our understanding of health and disease. In the past, people from Black, Black African and Black Caribbean backgrounds have not been well represented in research studies, and this means that important discoveries and breakthrough treatments may not help them.

Black Health Legacy will research medical problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease which affect many Black, Black African and Black Caribbean people. It will work in close partnership with Black, Black African and Black Caribbean communities to shape its work and to bring health benefits to future generations.

 

Why have I been invited to join?

You have been invited to join because:

·         You are aged 16 or above

·         You live in England

·         You identify as Black, Black African, Black Caribbean or Mixed ethnic background that includes Black African or Black Caribbean.

 

What will I need to do?

Joining is easy and takes around 10 minutes! If you agree to join Black Health Legacy, you will be asked to read and sign a consent form giving us permission to:

1.      Gather some information about you in a short questionnaire

2.      Collect a saliva (spit) sample from you in a sterile tube. We will use this to study DNA and the links between genes and health

3.      Securely access health-related information about you that is routinely collected by organisations such as the NHS

4.      Invite you to participate in about you that is routinely collected by organisations such as the NHS future optional research studies up to 4 times a year, using information saved from this study

 

If you have any questions about the study or would be interested in participating, please contact us via email or phone.

Monica James

Clinical Trials Practitioner

Email: huh-tr.black.health.legacy.study@nhs.net

Phone: 020 8510 5571