‘Record’ number of patients taking part in clinical trials

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has announced that a record number of patients are now taking part in clinical trials. The report states that over 870,250 participants were involved in health and social care studies supported by the organisation over the last twelve months, marking a huge increase from last year and the equivalent of 2,383 per day. The key areas of research included children’s research studies, which recruited 81,892 patients, reproductive health and childbirth research, which recruited 74,128 patients and studies delivered in primary care settings, which recruited 78,533 people. Not only are a record number of patients being recruited, but a record number of new studies are also open for patients in England, and are delivered at every NHS trust across the country. 2,194 were added to the NIHR’s portfolio over the year, bringing the total number of ongoing studies across England to an impressive 6,106.