R&D frequently asked questions

If you are considering taking part in research, please see the frequently asked questions below. If you have any questions that aren't on this webpage, please contact us on: huh-tr.riadmin@nhs.net

What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new ways of improving treatment and quality of life for people with diseases. It also plays an important role in improving the quality of healthcare administered to all research participants. 

Why participate in clinical research?

By participating in clinical research, we help to leave a legacy of knowledge and understanding about more of the diseases that affects the human body. 

Who can participate in clinical trials?

Anyone can participate in clinical trials. However, subjects must fulfil certain established criteria to determine their suitability and eligibility for clinical trials. The two criteria used in research to determine suitability and eligibility are known as the inclusion and the exclusion criteria, these two criteria would list a number of pre- conditions that should be met prior to participant involvement in the trial.

What is informed consent?

To help a participant or volunteer to decide if they would like to be involved in a study, the study team is required to go through key details about the study with the potential subject. 

A doctor, nurse or other researcher should get the subjects permission (‘informed consent’) before entering you into a research study. They cannot enter you if you do not give your informed consent. It is important that participants have enough information in order to be able to make an informed decision.

What are some of the risks associated with clinical trials?

Some treatments that are being tested may have side effects that can be serious or life-threatening. All known risks should be fully explained to participants before they agree to be part of a trial, as this would help them to determine beforehand whether to be involved in the trial or not.

Am I able to change my mind after agreeing to join a study once it has started?

You can leave a study at any time without giving a reason, even if you have already given your consent to be part of the study and have completed the study half- way.

Do I get rewarded for my involvement?

Most studies provide compensation for time and travel. Every study is different in terms of the recompense to participants. These are some of the key questions that would need to be finalised to the participants, prior to agreeing to be a participant in any trial. Payments to volunteers participating in research are acceptable, provided that the payment is to reimburse expense or compensate for time and inconvenience, and is not used as a form of inducement to the trial.

What is the role of the Chief Investigator?

The Chief Investigator (CI) is the person with overall responsibility for the study, mainly within the host site.

What is the role of the Principal investigator?

The Principal Investigator (PI) is the investigator responsible for the running of a research study at any given research site. There is one PI per site, but in the case of a single-site study, the CI and the PI will usually be the same person.

What is the role of the Research delivery team?

This is  the local Research team or members of the research delivery team (other than the CI, PI or Key Collaborators) who take an active part in conducting the study, or administering any of the study procedures, at any given research site.