What is the research challenge in North West London?
Health research is vital to improving the quality of healthcare and people’s health. However, we know that in North West London patients do not always have the opportunity to take part in research relevant to them. Similarly, researchers often find it difficult to recruit a sufficient number of patients for their studies.
To help meet this challenge, we have set up the Discover health research register. Discover is a register of adults 18 and over living in North West London who are interested in health research and want to find out more about health research opportunities. The register is for both healthy people and also those with a medical condition.
With your help, our aim is to improve healthcare services and find better ways to treat and prevent illness and disease, by empowering patients to join Discover and find out about and take part in research. Health research can range from participating in surveys, to having your blood tested, to testing new medical devices and phone apps and sometimes participating in clinical trials.
How does Discover work?
Discover is a register of adults aged 18 and over living in North West London who are interested in health research and want to find out more about health research opportunities. Visit the Discover website here.
NHS and academic researchers can search unidentifiable health information to find people who may be suitable for health research opportunities. If you have joined Discover and match the search criteria, the researcher can ask the Discover team to re-identify you – the researcher will not be able to do this.
Only the Discover team will be able to see information that identifies you, for example your name and contact details. Once you are re-identified, the team will contact you about the research opportunity.If you are interested in finding out more, the Discover team will pass your contact details on to the researcher who will get in touch with you to discuss it further.
If you are interested in finding out more, the Discover team will pass your contact details on to the researcher who will get in touch with you to discuss it further.
How do I join the register?
You can join online, or contact the Discover team on freefone 08000 288 480
Any queries about the Discover programme itself, please contact Programme Director Amanda Lucas on Amanda.lucas@imperialcollegehealthpartners.com
