Research

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Being a Research Active Practice 

Westbury on Trym is an NHS Research Active practice. We are an NIHR (National Institute of Health Research) Sessional Research Practice. This means that we undertake several NHS research studies each year. This model is designed to make research more accessible to both clinicians and patients and we aim to extend research into underserved patient groups, increasing participant diversity. We deliver research on the South West Central Research Delivery Network platform.

We work with a number of universities on ways to improve the NHS and are currently working on studies led by the Universities of Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge and Southampton.

We are also a member practice for the RCGP Research and surveillance centre (RSC).

As a research practice, we are part of studies that involve anonymised data being shared, this data is used to inform the Department of Health regarding, for example, flu epidemics, prescribing information etc. This helps us to constantly monitor the quality of our work and keep up to date.

Our Research Team includes Dr Jenny Eachus (Research Lead), Charlotte (Research Nurse) and research administrators. 

So, what does all this mean for patients?  

You may be offered services by us which are part of a medical trial, sometimes this involves new types of medication or new therapies, sometimes both. Services might be offered which involve you meeting with a researcher or involve some more detailed work with one of our own clinical staff. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or to give your opinion to researchers during interviews.

Your participation in research is voluntary and not taking part will not affect your care in any way – it is entirely up to you how much you want to get involved.  

We take your personal data very seriously and adhere to the latest data protection guidelines

Research Studies currently open

DaRe2Think

A study looking at the prevention of stroke, premature death and cognitive decline in a broader community of patients with atrial fibrillation.

ATHENA

A study examining the best way to manage pain associated with shingles.

HipDys

A study aiming to improve hip screening in babies and the identification of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Knee Osteoarthritis

Examination and gait training for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

TIGER

A study regarding eczema and food allergies in young children.

COAT 

A study examining antibiotic use in the treatment of cellulitis of the legs.

CORAL 

A study regarding Co-enzyme Q10, is it helpful for patients with heart failure?

Optimise2

OPTIMISE-2 is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate whether a pharmacist-led medication review can reduce the use of inappropriate medications and improve outcomes in older people living with multimorbidity and taking multiple medicines

Update summer 2025. In addition to NHS studies, we have recently started working alongside several other practices in the Bristol area on a commercial research study to be able to offer flu vaccination to toddlers (aged 1-2) ‘FluSniff’ study. For this study, we are working in partnership with a research technology partner known as uMed. Their accredited platform enables us to provide you with research opportunities that are highly relevant to your health circumstances. uMed is endorsed by RCGP (Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS and Oxford University.)