Researchers join NHS staff to celebrate the impact of clinical research on International Clinical Trials Day

[Caption: Staff from across the NIHR Maudsley BRC and the IoPPN wearing #IAMResearch stickers]

NIHR Maudsley BRC researchers, clinicians and health and social care staff celebrated clinical research at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and at the King’s College NHS Foundation Trust for this year’s International Clinical Trials Day.

The annual awareness day on 20 May marks the work of James Lind who held the first clinical trial in 1747 on board the HMS Salisbury when he experimented with different remedies for helping 12 men with scurvy. The Scottish Physician found that sailors given citrus fruits made an impressive recovery compared to the other treatments.

The NIHR Maudsley BRC and colleagues from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust hosted a stand, handing out leaflets and explaining the benefits of research to patient treatments across the NHS at the Maudsley Hospital canteen.

[Caption: Colleagues at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust #IAMResearch event]

We also took part in a wider event at King’s College NHS Foundation Trust joining colleagues from across King’s Health Partners.

Dr Fiona Gaughran, Director of Research and Development, ‘Getting involved in research allows us to answer important questions about how best to help our patients.  All patients, families and staff should know what research options are open to them, as this makes our clinical knowledge and care so much richer. Clinical trials are the most robust way to compare treatment options, and I am delighted that SLaM took part in celebrating the importance of research during the week leading up to International Clinical Trials Day.’

Every year, more than half a million people help the NHS to improve healthcare and develop life-saving treatments by taking part in research.

Nationally, the NIHR is running the ‘I Am Research’ campaign, which encourages people to find out about the opportunities available in health and care research. The campaign also pays tribute to NHS staff for the work they do in supporting research. You can find out more about the ‘I Am Research’ campaign here.

Dr Pamela Jacobsen, NIHR Clinical Trials Fellow, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, took part in a short film featuring three patients who have participated in clinical research. The participants shared why they took part and how they benefited, as part of NIHR's I Am Research campaign 2018. This is available via the NIHR’s YouTube channel.

This year the NHS is turning 70, which is a good opportunity to celebrate the important role that research plays within the health service. Research in the NHS has consistently improved treatments for patients over the last 70 years having a positive impact on many people’s lives. Since 2006, this has been coordinated by the NIHR and the NIHR wants to continue improving treatments and care for patients over the next 70 years as well through research.