Events and News

Nasal sprays reduce cold and flu symptoms

The results of the NIHR funded Immune Defence Study have now been published, showing that over-the-counter nasal sprays are effective at reducing the symptoms and duration of flu and colds in at-risk patients. The Immune Defence study team thanks all those who have taken part in this important study and the East of England RRDN nurses who stepped in to help sites with follow up data where needed.  

"A Lifeline" - BASIL+ Participant Interview 

The Study BASIL+ researchers Della and Suzanne are joined by study participants Richard and Mary to discuss their experience of the trial and what it meant to them. 

BICS trial published in JAMA

The NIHR funded BICS Randomized Clinical Trial results have recently been published in JAMA, showing that treatment with bisoprolol did not reduce COPD exacerbations requiring treatment with oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, or both. Despite this outcome, the study team would like to thanks all those involved in delivering the trial, including several East of England Primary and Secondary Care teams. 

Reflections on commercial research in primary care

Dr Anthony Gunstone from the Staploe Medical Centre in Soham, Cambridgeshire, has many years of experience working on commercial trials as a Principal Investigator (PI), and latterly as a Chief Investigator (CI).

In this video he talks about his experience of running commercial trials in primary care to encourage others to become involved. 

NHS England research finance guide published

NHS England have published the Managing Research Finance in the NHS 'how-to' guide on managing finances associated with commercial and non-commercial research.  The guide provides practical information on costing research and the use of income generated by research to support building research capacity and capability.

"Life-changing health and care research starts with people like you."

We are thrilled to share our new film to raise awareness of health and care research, which you can watch on NIHRTV YouTube now.  It explains the vital part research plays in improving treatments and care happening at hospitals, GP practices, and in wider care around the region.  It also highlights the incomparable role our participants have in helping to make research happen. 

Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES) 

PRES is an annual nationally standardised survey used to collect adults and children's views and experiences of participating in NIHR supported research

PRES results 2023/24 

Celebrating our Research Champions

The NIHR's mission is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. Patients, carers and the public are integral to the way we do this.

There is a growing number of Research Champions working with NHS trusts, community organisations, including schools, care homes and local authorities. They are helping the East of England RRDN to open gateways to health and care research for people who have never been involved before, but who are often those who need to access services more than others.

New Research Information Governance Statement issued
A new information governance (IG) update / awareness statement has been issued jointly by the Health research Authority (HRA), NIHR Research Delivery Network and the NHS R&D Forum.  If you have any questions please contact Alison Knight, HRA Data and Privacy Specialist at Alison.Knight@hra.nhs.uk.

The Primary Care Setting: How it can help deliver your research