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Get involved in health research

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Health research...

  • Helps find new tests, treatments and better ways of working to benefit users of NHS, public health and social care services

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  • Happens in a range of locations including hospitals, GP practices and the home

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  • Involves people with health conditions as well as healthy people

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Health research...changes lives

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1,049,635 participants in England took part in research supported by the RDN during 2024/25

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Health research...changes lives

  • A drug can halve bad cholesterol, saving 3,000 lives a year

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  • Giving new mums blood pressure kits can cut heart attacks and strokes

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  • Keyhole surgery leads to better hip function than physiotherapy for hip pain

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  • Wearing a pedometer to measure steps encourages healthy lifestyles

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What study participants think...

  • 91% would consider taking part in research again

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  • 93% said researchers valued their taking part in the research

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  • Source: survey of 32,268 adult study participants in England in 12 months from 1 April 2024

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“Clear information about the study, clear instructions and very easy to access to take part”

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“Being able to contribute to science that will benefit people like me in future”

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“All the staff I have dealt with have been excellent. They have taken the time to explain the process and answered any questions that I have”

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How to get involved in research

  • Talk to your doctor or nurse about studies you could take part in

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  • Search for and sign up to be contacted about studies at the Be Part of Research website

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  • Sign up to be told about dementia studies you could take part in at Join Dementia Research

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Be Part of Research

  • Search and browse studies near you

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  • Read more about what research is and what taking part involves

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Be Part of Research

  • Read case studies about people who have taken part in research

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  • bepartofresearch.uk

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Across a range of medical specialities

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Join Dementia Research

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  • Sign up to be contacted about dementia studies you could take part in
  • For people diagnosed with dementia and healthy volunteers
  • Search ‘Join Dementia Research’

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How we make this happen

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) supports patients, the public and health and care organisations across England to participate in high-quality research, advancing knowledge and improving care through funding and support

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Search ‘Be Part of Research’ to learn more