13-Dec-2011
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the top Trusts leading the way in providing opportunities for patients to take part in clinical research studies. Highlighted in a league table1 published for the first time by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network, Oxford University Hospitals recruited the fifth highest number of patients in England in 2010/11, to the seventh highest number of studies.
Praising the achievement of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dr Jonathan Sheffield, Chief Executive of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, said:
“This is fantastic news and illustrates that our partners at OUH are truly placing research at the core of NHS business. Their recruitment of 11,412 patients indicates a strong commitment to research and innovation as well as their drive to improve clinical outcomes for patients. We are keen to see other Trusts follow their example and truly embed research as a standard option within their care culture.
“We know that 97% of Trusts take part in research, but it's important to look behind that figure to see the true picture. The league table helps us recognise the research commitment of NHS staff throughout England, but also shows that we still need to do more to put research on the radar in some areas of the NHS."
Fostering a research-active culture brings a host of benefits for patients, clinicians and the NHS. It drives innovation, gives rise to better and more cost-effective treatments, and creates opportunities for staff development. Growing evidence also suggests that NHS organisations that are research-active appear to do better in overall performance, and an organisation's research activity is linked to improved patient outcomes.
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