Clinical research: A beginner’s guide

Clark Crawford helps researchers navigate the many approvals required to ensure their clinical research is of the highest quality and he provides expert advice on research governance. Here he gives an overview of clinical research in the UK.

Research and clinical trials are an incredibly important part of what the NHS does. This is the way that new interventions, medicines and improvements are brought into patient care in the UK. But with such a pivotal role comes responsibility, and clinical research must be of the highest standard.

Health and social care research that involves people is governed by a framework of guidance, standards and regulations designed to ensure research quality. These include EU directives, UK law, international agreements or declarations, and codes.