New digital platform aims to transform NHS primary care clinical trials
A newly-launched digital platform aims to help NHS GP practices run clinical trials faster and reach underrepresented patients across the UK.
The DaRe2THINK clinical trial has built the platform to cut paperwork for GP staff and widen access to studies.
The system securely links to GP IT, automatically transferring relevant health data to participating NHS general practices.
New tools let practice teams rapidly find eligible patient cohorts and contact them via integrated mobile messaging.
DaRe2THINK already securely screens routine healthcare records from more than 13 million NHS patients across over 450 general practices in England, embedding research into everyday care.
Puja Myles is director of Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) at the MHRA.
Myles said: “This platform represents a paradigm shift in how we conduct primary care research.
“By leveraging routine health data and advanced digital tools, we’re removing traditional barriers that have prevented many communities from accessing the benefits of clinical trial participation.”
The current DaRe2THINK trial is testing whether earlier intervention with NHS treatments can prevent blood clots and memory loss in people with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder linked to vascular dementia.
One in four participating practices are in England’s most health-deprived areas.
Dipak Kotecha is professor of cardiology at the University of Birmingham.
Kotecha said “DaRe2THINK is leading the way to empower patients and provide an opportunity to take part in NHS clinical trials.
“The enhanced digital platform has now been rolled out across England, making it quicker and simpler for NHS staff to reach out to their patients, and embedding prevention into routine care.”
Dr Alexandra Lee, a general practitioner at the University of Birmingham, added: “The digital trial platform used in DaRe2THINK has had a positive impact on the delivery of primary care research and has helped recruit a new cohort of general practices that haven’t previously taken part in clinical trials”
