What is Research?

• Research in Health and Social Care

  Research aims to find out new knowledge that could lead to changes to health treatments, policies or care. In Health and Social Care Research studies can range from medical, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, bio-tech, social care or looking at healthy populations or people with social care needs. When research outcomes demonstrates a better way of delivering patient care or services it can translate into better practice.

  Research can be funded through the NHS research arm called the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), commercial organisations (for example, drug companies), universities, research councils, health organisations and charities.

• National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)

  The NIHR is the nation's largest funder of health and care research. One part of the NIHR is the Clinical Research Network (CRN) which helps to run the delivery of research. This includes supporting patients, the public and health and care organisations across England to participate in high-quality research, thereby advancing knowledge and improving care. 

  There are 15 Local Clinical Research Networks that cover the length and breadth of England. CRN Eastern is the local network which supports the delivery of research at Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.

  For more information about the NIHR visit the NIHR website  

  Find out more about CRN Eastern visit CRN Eastern

   

• Research at Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust

  To facilitate Research at our Trust we have a dedicated Research Team which works across all our services to support the delivery of NIHR research projects. We are committed to offering patients' opportunities to be involved in research in addition to promoting research culture across our workforce. Staff can also be supported to develop their own feasible clinical projects, which may be linked to degrees or clinical Fellowships.

  “Our Board recognises the critical importance of research in supporting best care for patients, and also in ensuring the care we deliver is both efficient and effective. We have therefore actively supported engagement in research as a way on improving patient experience and outcomes. We also recognise the benefit of research to support innovation and updating the evidence needed to support best practice.” David Vickers, Medical Director