Research Activity at PMG
West of England Clinical Research Network
Portishead Medical Group is a member of the West of England Clinical Research Network of practices (https://www.nihr.ac.uk/nihr-in-your-area/west-of-england/), recruiting patients to studies approved by the NIHR (National Institute for Health Research), the research arm of the NHS .
We may write to you, or ask when you visit the surgery to take part in a study. All research goes through a rigorous appraisal and approval process before it gets anywhere near patients, so be assured that anything we ask you to take part in is safe. You’re not obliged to take part of course but only by supporting research will we improve the diagnosis, treatment of and outcomes of many of the problems we commonly see every day.
Royal College of GPs
Portishead Medical Group has also achieved the 'Research Ready' accreditation from the Royal College of GPs.
Clinical Practice Research Datalink (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. Information in patient records is important for medical research to develop new treatments and test the safety of medicines. If you do not want to anonymised information from your patient record to be used in research you can opt out by speaking to one of our managers.
For more information about how your data is used please visit: www.cprd.com/public
Current Research Studies
We are currently supporting the following studies:
|
Name of study |
About |
|
ATHENA |
Amitriptyline for the prevention of post-herpetic neuralgia Can low dose amitriptyline prevent post-herpetic neuragia? |
| AMALFI |
Active monitoring for atrial fibrillation Does wearing a home monitor increase the number of people detected wuth atrial fibrillation? |
|
ERICA |
Electronic risk assessment for cancer Do electronic risk assessment tools for cancer help GPs catch cancer sooner? |
|
Multi-Cath |
Is mixed intermittent catheter use (using reusable catheters sometimes and single us catheters at other times) no more likely to cause urinary tract infection than using single-use catheters only? |
Training
GPs in Training
Our practice is approved to train fully qualified doctors who wish to specialise in general practice. Our GP registrars and Foundation Year 2 doctors will have had 2-4 years of experience as a qualified hospital doctor working in various specialities. They consult patients on their own, under the mentorship of our trainers, Dr Pullen and Dr Thomson. Occasionally we ask permission to video a consultation. You will always be asked in advance and are given the option not to take part, and this will not affect your care in any way. No recording will be taken without your consent and the camera will be switched off on request. These videos are used only for educational purposes with the doctor doing the consultation and are destroyed after use.
Medical Students
Medical students are sometimes attached to the practice for a period of time as part of their training. If you do not wish a student to be present during your consultation, please inform the receptionist.