NHS Somerset and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust have joined forces to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day on Tuesday 20 May, recognising the vital role research plays in improving healthcare.
Researchers are always looking for ways to find new and better ways to treat conditions and improve care.
There are lots of opportunities for people to get involved in research to help shape how healthcare services are provided.
Your family may have been particularly affected by a particular condition, or you may have experienced an illness and want to make life better for others living with it. Or you might want to have your say on how health care is provided in your area.
Maria Heard, deputy director of research and innovation at NHS Somerset, the local headquarters for the NHS, said: “There are many benefits when healthcare providers participate in research – for patients, staff and the development of healthcare in general.
“Patients who receive care where research is actively taking place tend to feel more confident in their care, better understand their treatment and report higher satisfaction. Staff involved in research are also more engaged and experience greater job satisfaction.
“These benefits contribute to stronger hospitals overall, with improved outcomes and safer, more effective healthcare services.”
Be Part of Research
Be Part of Research is a free online service that matches you to health and care studies, based on your interests. There are opportunities to take part online or at locations near you.
Through Be Part of Research, you can find and take part in research into nearly every major health condition – as well as social care research.
Simply sign up using the QR code below and choose the areas of research you’re interested in. You’ll be matched to suitable studies and sent clear information about what’s involved and how you can take part.
Specialist clinical research
Every year in Somerset we ask people to take part in clinical research related to specific conditions, for example diabetes, mental health, COPD or dementia.
One current example is the Graceful Study
This study, being carried out by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, looks into patient attitudes to the importance of where care is delivered for people with, or who have been investigated for, a gynaecological cancer.
Previous studies have shown that where care is given, and the quality of the consultation is important for fostering a sense of support.
Who can take part?
Anyone over the age of 18 who is at risk of a gynaecological (womb, ovaries, vulva, vagina or cervical) cancer.
How to take part?
Click here to fill out the survey
Email the study team on: gracefulstudy@somersetft.nhs.uk
Closing date: 29 August 2025.
