Giving your consent to be contacted for research

What is Consent for Contact for research?

Volunteers who take part in research play a crucial role in improving the lives of thousands of people every year. Nearly all research needs help from those affected to make this possible. Through research we can develop better treatments and you can help us to achieve this.

This is your opportunity to express an interest in hearing about research you could get involved in. If you are happy to be contacted about research we will record this in your medical records.

You may be asked about this by your care team or the Trust research team at any point throughout your care.

Alternatively you can contact us using the details below.

What type of research could I be involved in?

There are different types of research you may be invited to take part in. Some may be looking into the cause of health conditions others may be finding out if new treatments and therapies can improve people’s health. All research you are invited to take part in has been approved and is safe to run in the NHS.

Taking part may involve talking about your own experiences, completing a questionnaire, or trying out a new talking therapy, or treatment. Participation may include face to face meetings with a researcher or via phone or video call.

Taking part is usually in addition to your current treatment plan and should not affect care you currently receive. There may be incentives offered for taking part such as vouchers, or cash to thank you for your time. Some also reimburse travel costs and expenses.

We will always let you know details of what is involved before you decide if you would like to take part. You will also be given plenty of time to think about it and ask any questions.

Agreeing to hear about research opportunities is different to other offers such as contributing to Trust surveys and evaluations of services you may be accessing – these will be offered via other teams within the Trust.

What happens if I agree to being contacted about research?

By agreeing to contact you are not agreeing to take part in specific research, just to hear what opportunities are available to you.

If you agree we record your permission on your medical records. You will receive a copy of an information leaflet to keep.

Prior to contacting you, we check your medical records to determine your eligibility to studies. Your medical records contain information about your health, care and treatment. By checking these records, we can check your suitability for a study based on things such as symptoms or current medication.

We will then approach you to let you know about opportunities you may like to take part in. You may be contacted via email, phone, or letter however our research team will try where possible to use your preferred method of contact if you have one recorded in your medical record.

It’s possible that the team may not contact you for a while. This may be because there are not any current studies suitable to share with you so please don’t worry if you haven’t heard from us straight away.

What happens if I don’t agree or want to change my mind?

It is entirely up to you whether you want to be contacted; you can change your mind at any time. You don’t have to give a reason and this won’t affect your current care.

We will make a note on your medical records so that we avoid contacting you in the future. Your care team may still approach you about specific research they feel may be beneficial, or may ask about your interest in being contacted in the future so you have the opportunity to agree at another time.

To notify us of a change or if you don’t wish to be contacted you can contact us via the details below.

What happens when I am discharged?

At discharge your care team may ask if you would like to continue to be contacted. If not asked, your original decision will remain. There are lots of research studies that you can continue to take part in even after discharge.

Will my personal details be kept confidential?

All Trust staff comply with the Data Protection Act (2018) to make sure your confidentiality is protected at all times. Our Trust Research Team and your care team who have approved verification checks access your medical record. Your information is not shared outside of the organisation.

If you are approached about a research study that you would like to take part in, your information may be shared with external researchers at that point but only with your permission.