Love Research is a joint campaign between Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, designed to raise awareness of our world-leading healthcare research and encourage staff-patient conversations about participating in research.
Research is the bedrock upon which our future health depends. Only by conducting high-quality research can we discover new and better ways of preventing, diagnosing, treating and curing illness and disease.
Cambridgeshire is a thriving life science ecosystem of world-class hospitals, research institutes, laboratories, academia, and clinical teams with a shared passion for innovation and improving healthcare.
Research is our lifeline to innovation, and we cannot do research without the involvement of our patients. The campaign will help us connect with more participants, potentially leading to breakthroughs in heart and lung treatments.
Dr Vikki Hughes
Head of Research and Development, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
How can you benefit?
- Cutting-edge research: Benefit from new treatments and medical technologies currently being developed in Cambridge’s renowned research labs.
- Global Impact: Cambridge is a hub for medical research with a worldwide impact. Your participation could contribute to major breakthroughs.
- Future generations: Help improve treatments not just for yourself but for the community and future generations, ensuring lasting benefits from the research conducted here.
- Data-Based Participation: Some studies only require access to your health data, enabling you to contribute significantly without any changes to your daily routine or additional time commitments. Your data is always handled with the utmost confidentiality.
How can you get involved?
We are playing a crucial role in shaping the NHS to meet a range of new challenges. Only by conducting high-quality research can we discover better ways of preventing, diagnosing, treating and curing illness and disease.
Everyone has the power to make a difference. You can be part of the bigger picture – and save lives:
- Make your preferences about research known when you speak to your healthcare team.
- Be part of world-leading research by becoming a Royal Papworth patient research ambassador - contact papworth.ppi@nhs.net
- Make your preferences about being part of health research known via the NHS app (see screengrab below).
Frequently asked questions
This section provides essential information about participating in healthcare research, including the benefits, commitments, and how your personal data is handled. By joining our research efforts, you can be part of the bigger picture, helping to shape the future of healthcare and contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements
Your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional can tell you if you may be eligible for a current trial. Ask them during your next appointment.
All new treatments need to be tested to ensure they are safe and effective before they can be widely used. By participating in research, you help improve healthcare for everyone, both now and in the future. While taking part in a study may not benefit you personally, you will contribute to better healthcare knowledge. If you decide to participate, you might receive a new treatment and will be closely monitored during the trial.
Some trials include a placebo, a treatment designed to have no effect, to better understand the new treatment's impact. The likelihood of receiving a placebo depends on the specific trial. Discuss this with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional if you are considering enrolling in a trial.
The time and commitment required vary by trial. Some may only need access to your health records, while others might require additional clinic visits for treatment and monitoring. Discuss the specifics of the trial with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional to understand your commitment.
Depending on the trial, you may receive help with travel and meal expenses, and compensation for your time attending additional clinic appointments.
Potential new treatments are thoroughly reviewed and tested before they are trialled with patients. If you decide to participate, your healthcare professional will discuss any potential risks and explain the new treatment and the trial's goals.
We handle patients' personal data with the utmost confidentiality, and all NHS staff have a legal duty to keep patient information confidential. For more information, visit our privacy policy..
Discover more about the Love Research campaign, including examples of the research that is currently taking place across our hospitals.