The NIHR Clinical Research Network is the clinical research delivery arm of the NHS. We operate nationally across England through a national coordinating centre and 15 local networks. We support researchers and the life sciences industry in developing, setting up and delivering high quality research to time and target in the NHS in England.
We partner with NHS providers across the region. This includes hospital trusts (acute, community and mental health), GP surgeries, pharmacies and other healthcare providers.
We offer a range of services across the research delivery pathway. These services include:
Expert advice
- on how to make your study work in the NHS environment
- about whether there is capability and capacity to carry out your study in the NHS (feasibility), and aligning your research protocol with NHS priorities
- we can provide access to patients and the public to give their perspective on your research.
- Service Support for your grant application
- Also, we’ll use our specialist knowledge to advise you about NHS research sites, and their strengths and capabilities.
Site selection
We can use our experience and expertise to identify and engage the right research sites, with the right participants, for your study.
NHS Service Support resources
- We can help arrange access to NHS Service Support once your study is confirmed as eligible for Network support
- This includes access to NHS pharmacy, radiology and pathology support
- It also includes access to Network-funded research delivery staff (research nurses, data managers etc.) to aid recruitment.
Recruiting to time and target
We’ll support both you, and your selected sites, to meet you study’s recruitment targets within your timescales.
We are happy to offer advice on your recruitment strategy, or suggest alternatives, at any point during the study life-cycle.
Active performance monitoring
We can help you and your selected sites to performance manage the progress of studies. The data that we collect can help to identify and overcome recruitment barriers.
Training
We help the research community gain the necessary skills which underpin research, for example Good Clinical Practice training.
ISRCTN registration
Researchers can apply for ISRCTN registration via the Central Portfolio Management System. Non-commercial studies with an interventional component qualify for ISRCTN registration funded by the Department of Health in England.
Study Support Service
Our Study Support Service is free of charge. It offers a range of practical services including study feasibility, set-up, participant recruitment pathways, costings and contracts negotiations, help with regulatory approvals and performance monitoring.