Newsletter Spring 2018

Research and Innovation

Spring 2018

Ian’s Cardiac Research Story Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

My name is Ian and I’m 69. I’m a keen naturalist with a particular interest in owls. I do a lot of bird watching and I have to be a keen gardener as I have a big garden.

What type of study are you taking part in?

It’s called Orion3 which is looking at medicines which lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in high risk cardiac patients. I will be part of it for four years.

Why did you decide to take part?

Because my cholesterol was too high and this was an opportunity to do something about it.

What do you have to do?

I have to turn up for my study visits, to do blood samples and injections.

What would you say are the benefits to you?

The treatment has massively reduced my cholesterol level.

How did you find out about the study?

I was invited by the cardiac research team.

What would you say to anyone else thinking about taking part in research?

From the trial I am participating in I can’t see any down sides.

For more information about Orion3 contact Lead Cardiac Research Nurse, Mari Kononen on 01494 425901

Well Done! Fay Pearce wins Star Researcher Award for April 2018 Fay was nominated by Research Nurse Tracey Stammers from the Cancer and Haematology research team because of the hard work and support she provides to them.

A leukaemia study collects blood samples from recruits for 24 days. Previously ensuring all relevant samples were collected, spun and frozen was unreliable – the rotation of staff within the labs is frequent and if the information is not handed over the process collapses. For the last 3 patients Fay has taken personal interest and has kept watch ensuring that these samples were being saved. The diligence & commitment shown by Fay Pearce deserves recognition; these samples are a vital part of the research into future treatment of this condition.

Mr Mandeep Bindra, Associate Medical Director of Research and Innovation presented Fay with her award and thanked her for all the support she is giving to research in the trust and helping to make a difference. Please send nominations for research star of the month to Denise Watson, Head of Research and Innovation at denise.watson4@nhs.net

What is the NIHR? The National Institute for Health Research was established in 2006 in response to the government’s 2005 health research strategy to transform research in the NHS. It is funded through the Department of Health to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

Since comprehensive records began in 2009, the total number of patients taking part in and benefiting from clinical trials has tripled, rising from under one million to more than five million. 100% of NHS Trusts are now involved in research and are running studies with support and funding from the NIHR. For further information about research opportunities at Bucks Healthcare NHS Trust please contact the Research and Innovation Department at Stoke Mandeville hospital on 01296 316065 or see the website at www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/research

Mr Mandeep Singh Bindra, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Associate Medical Director for Research & Innovation

■ Where and when did you do your medical training?

I graduated from Kings College London in 2000 and trained at various hospitals in London, the Midlands & Manchester.

■ How has research in your field changed practice?

Research in the field of Ophthalmology has had a massive impact on everything I do in my work today from the machines we use to take images of parts of the eye, to the drugs we use to prevent blindness and the machines and devices we use to operate on parts of the eye. I have seen a huge change in practice even within my career in ophthalmology and the exciting thing is that practice keeps changing due to research being carried out currently.

Cataract surgery and lens implants, being able to fix retinal detachments, being able to view the microscopic structures inside the eye, being able to treat Macular degeneration to prevent blindness – these are just a few of the changes that have happened within the last few years and decades.

■ Why do you think research is important to the NHS? The NHS is a unique healthcare system that can give and receive benefit from the world of medical research. The NHS has been critical to ground breaking research that has changed the lives of millions around the world. Making research part and parcel of patient care and its delivery in the NHS will be one of the ways in which the NHS adapts to meet the changing demands that it faces going forward.

■ Are there any benefits to patients taking part in research?

Not only do patients get access to treatments that they wouldn’t normally be able to (for example the STAR study that we are doing in my department gives access to a special type of radiotherapy for macular degeneration patients), but patients also benefit from the extra attention and care that they often receive as part of a trial. They also feedback that the process is hugely rewarding as they feel they are contributing to progress in medicine and society.

■ Are there any negatives patients should consider?

It is important that patients fully understand the commitment that they make when signing up to trials as well as the ins and outs of the medical aspects. However all patients go through a full consent process fully understanding the research and its impacts, there should be no negatives once they sign up.

■ Do you have any pets at home?

No but my wife has been trying to persuade me to get a dog for ages!

■ What’s your dream holiday destination?

Anywhere where I can be with family and friends or somewhere where I can do something useful like a charity eye camp!

Recruitment and Retention of Participants into Clinical Trials I recently attended a two day course, ‘Delivering Clinical Research’. Around 20 people including research nurses and research support staff, were there and most of them had been in research for less than 12 months. The course was designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge enabling attendees to confidently carry out their roles, and make their jobs more rewarding.

All the modules were insightful but one in particular, ‘Recruitment and Retention of Participants into Clinical Trials’, I found both interesting and concerning. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has a major objective to recruit more participants into research studies.

Simply put, more participants equals more research, equals better outcomes for future patients.

My concern surrounded the fact that 85% of clinical trials fail to retain enough participants for the duration of the trial.

The average dropout rate across all trials is 30%. There are many reasons for this dropout rate, but the right kind of recruitment has been identified as one of the key drivers in reducing this dropout rate.

When a patient or member of the public ‘consents’ to take part in a trial, they do so on the basis that they have been informed about all aspects of the trial before they make their ‘informed decision’. Patient Information Sheets play a vital role in the process of informing patients about a trial. This is where Patient Research Ambassadors have a possible role to play by supporting the research teams drafting Patient Information Sheets. It is important to make the information easy to read and understand, with limited use of jargon or medical terms that may confuse the patient.

I am pleased to say that I am becoming more engaged with the research teams in this important area.

Patient Research Ambassador, John P Smith

Do you suffer with symptoms of Heart Failure?

Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, swollen ankles and more.

We have a number of clinical trials open at Wycombe Hospital for all types of heart failure that may benefit you.

You would be under the care of Consultant Cardiologist Dr Piers Clifford and the cardiac research team.

If you would like more information we would love to hear from you on 01494 425901 (Sally/Jo/Mari)

HOLDS The maternity unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital is excited to announce a new research study coming soon. The study is called HOLDS and is investigating whether a higher dose of Syntocinon (a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone oxytocin responsible for causing the uterus to contract during labour) will help reduce the caesarian section (CS) rate.

This is an important study because women have a relatively high rate of unplanned CS (34%). Making sure the rate is as low as possible is crucial because unplanned CS is associated with a longer stay in hospital, higher risk of infection, bleeding and blood clots and is also associated with an increased risk of CS in subsequent pregnancies.

For more information please contact the Maternity Research Team on 01296 418160 / bleep 639 or email Michelle via michelle.anderson14@nhs.net

Come and find out about working with us at the Research and Innovation Department Itchy feet? Are you curious to find out about how research is conducted at the Trust?

Our teams would be willing to host you for a shadowing experience to demonstrate the positive care we provide for our patients and the contribution we make to potential future treatments.

Our team includes nurses and non-clinical staff with potential for career development and progression. Follow this link for a short film about research activity at Bucks Healthcare. https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=IJncwp5Jek4

Patients with Asthma Aged 18+ years Currently using prescribed inhalers If this could be you, would you be interested in a clinical trial?

We are looking at novel technology to see if we can help asthma patients take their inhaled medicines properly.

Time and expenses will be reimbursed.

For further information contact: Katarina Manso, Research Nurse Tel: 01296 315832 Email: katarina.manso@nhs.net This study is being sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline Ltd., and has been approved by a UK Research Ethics Committee

For more information contact Nicola Higgins, Operations Manager at the R&I Department on 01296 418124 or email nicola.higgins5@nhs.net

Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Mandeville Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 8AL Ethics # 207040 generic advert V1, 15 Nov 2017