Research

Our knowledge of how to diagnose and treat medical conditions is always improving and research plays a huge role in this.  Pioneer Medical Group recognise research as a way to improve care for our patients in the future.  We are well established as a practice that actively and enthusiastically takes part in research studies.  Many of these studies are set up by the University of Bristol.      

Patient participation in research studies is always completely optional and if you are asked to consider taking part in a study it will be explained clearly and written information given (study Patient Information Leaflet).  Our Pioneer research team can answer any questions or the University trial team are  easily contactable.   Participants can withdraw from a study at any time without needing to give a reason. 

Pioneer Research Team

Who?
What and Where?
Dr Susie Cary
Lead research GP. Based at Pioneer Bradgate but any Pioneer patient can speak to Dr Cary about research
Jenny Ferguson
Lead research nurse, Pioneer Bradgate
Dr Rachel Limna
Local lead. Pioneer Ridingleaze
Dr Simon Thornton
Local lead. Pioneer Avonmouth

Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)

Information in patient records is important for medical research to develop new treatments and test the safety of medicines. At Pioneer we support National medical research by sending some information anonymously from patient records to CPRD.
CPRD is a government organisation that provides anonymised patient data for research to improve patient and public health. You cannot be identified from the information sent to CPRD.
 
If you do not want anonymised information from your patient record to be used in research you can opt out by speaking to our practice manager or Dr Cary who leads research at the practice.  For more information about how anonymised data is used please visit: www.cprd.com/public

Active Studies

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Clink image for study website
AvonCAP GP2: general practice study about chest infections

This study is about chest infections and worsening of asthma, COPD and heart failure. We want to understand: (a) what impact these illnesses have on patients and the NHS; (b) how many of these illnesses could be prevented by vaccination (e.g. with COVID vaccines and other vaccines that are being developed); and (c) what groups of patients might benefit most from vaccination.  For patients who choose to take part, we will collect information (data) from their GP records about them and their illness; collect samples from their nose, throat, saliva and urine; and ask them to complete a diary about their symptoms and wellbeing.  We will send participants “Love to Shop” vouchers to reimburse them for their time. Patients who are eligible to take part will be contacted by phone and, wherever possible, the study team will ask their permission to use their data.
Patients can choose to opt out – if they do, we will collect a small amount of non-identifiable data from their record (e.g. age, gender, qualifying condition, reason for opting out) so that we can compare them to patients who choose to take part. Sometimes, despite our efforts, we will be unable to contact the patient. To get a more complete picture of the number of chest infections, we would still like to include their information even without consent. We hold specific approval from the Health Research Authority’s Confidentiality Advisory Group for this. We are very careful to keep data confidential. The data will be anonymised - there will be no way of identifying the patient from the data. This study is led by researchers at the University of Bristol and is funded by Pfizer. For more information, please see the study website or contact the research team by email (bnssg.avoncapgp.pmg@nhs.net) or phone (0117 958 1405).

BEE study

This is a childhood eczema study suitable for children with at least mild eczema aged between 6 months and 12 years. Currently there is very little evidence to suggest which moisturisers (emollients) are most effective and acceptable in treating eczema in children. Moisturisers come in different forms (lotion, cream, gel and ointment), and often many are prescribed before a patient finds the right one for them.

The BEE study is testing four types of commonly prescribed moisturisers. Only by doing this study can we identify which one should be prescribed initially, in an attempt to reduce the number of GP visits and prescriptions needed following diagnosis.
Please see the information leaflet for more details of this study.  No research appointment is needed, you can refer your child directly to the University of Bristol research nurse by phoning  0117 928 7308 or emailing: bee-study@bristol.ac.uk

ANTLER study

Have you been stable on antidepressants for more than 9 months and would you consider coming off them gradually?  This trial is suitable for patients whose mental health has been stable and who have been taking certain antidepressants daily – SERTRALINE 100mg / CITALOPRAM 20mg / MIRTAZAPINE 30mg or FLUOXETINE 20mg.   Those taking alternative doses of these medications, other antidepressant medications or combinations of antidepressants are not eligible. Please contact Dr Cary or one of our research nurses if you would like more information about this trial.   We can discuss if you are suitable for the trial and can refer you on to the research team if you wish to go ahead.  

INTERACT study

Depression is common and although many people suffering from depression would prefer talking therapy to medication, it can be difficult to access individual talking therapy quickly.  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (or ‘CBT’ for short) is an effective type of talking treatment that can help people who have depression.

The INTERACT team are designing a new way of providing therapy, whereby the therapist will meet the patient face-to-face for the first session, but thereafter will deliver therapy online in real-time at pre-arranged appointments (e.g using instant messaging and/or voice technology). Patients will also have online CBT materials to work with between sessions.  Please contact Dr Cary or one of our research nurses if you would like more information about this trial.   We can refer you on to the research team if you are suitable and wish to go ahead.

Join Dementia Research

Join Dementia Research is a service which allows anyone, with or without dementia, to register their interest in national dementia research. It helps people with dementia, their carers, or anyone interested in dementia research to be matched to studies. Signing up could make a real difference to you and others.

Please see the information leaflet for more information about this important service.