At Northumbria Primary Care (NPC), we offer GP practices and patients the opportunity to participate in ground breaking research that helps shape the future of primary care.
By integrating research into everyday practice, we ensure our patients benefit from the latest medical advancements, treatments, and best practices, helping to improve healthcare outcomes locally and nationally.
Why research matters in primary care
Improves patient care by developing new treatments and enhancing existing ones.
Gives patients access to cutting-edge trials and innovative healthcare solutions.
Supports GPs and healthcare professionals in delivering evidence-based medicine.
Strengthens the future of primary care through continuous learning and development.
Our research strategy
Our dedicated research team has developed a comprehensive strategy that sets out NPC’s commitment to integrating research into routine primary care. This strategy outlines how research supports our patients, strengthens our practices, and positively influences the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Discover how our research strategy is helping to shape a healthier future for all.
Dr Justine Norman, Clinical Director of Research at NPC
I have been a research GP for nearly 20 years, initially at my former practice in Whitley Bay but more recently across all our NPC practices. I am also employed by the Regional Research Delivery Network as a regional research engagement lead.
I believe all patients should be given the opportunity to take part in research studies related to their health conditions. My aim is that NPC will grow as a research organisation, enabling more patients to be able to be involved in studies that may ultimately lead to changes in medical treatments in the future.
Dr Alys Dean, Research Fellow
I have been involved in clinical research for the last 5 years initially completing self driven projects aiming to identify undiagnosed cases of Atrial Fibrillation and Lynch Syndrome.
Over the last year I have focused on delivering a range of commercial and non-commercial trials to NPC’s patient population.
I believe innovation and research are the key drivers needed for a transformation to healthcare focused on prevention rather than cure, and being part of the wider research community allows NPC patients and clinicians to be at the forefront of this transition.
Samantha Hamilton, Research Nurse
Since moving into primary care as a practice nurse in 2019, I’ve worked as NPC’s research nurse across multiple sites. Our small team manages several studies simultaneously, and I’m involved from the outset.
I assess suitability, recruit participants, coordinate logistics, and ensure smooth operations. I also liaise with stakeholders like the NIHR Research Delivery Network. I’m committed to advancing research that improves the health of our local communities.
Mandy Cuthbert, Research Care Coordinator
I bring 15 years of reception and GP practice experience to the role of research care coordinator.
My job is to support local research delivery and manage relationships with both regional and national partners.
Ongoing projects
Click the headings below to find out about ongoing research projects at Northumbria Primary Care:
INGR1D2
This study uses a small amount of blood from the routine heel prick test most babies already have taken, to find out their genetic risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes.
Patients will receive info on the study via the Badgernet system.
As part of the set up for INGR1D2 we have been screening currently pregnant patients. This has identified a few coding issues, where pregnancy codes have been added in error or missed. Thank you for actioning any tasks that ask for these to be checked.
NIHR BioResource
To create a database for research based on genotype or phenotype.
We now have 231 patients recruited from 7 practices – NPC Amble and Broomhill, NPC Felton and Widdrington, NPC Haydon Bridge and Allendale, NPC Ponteland, NPC Rothbury, NPC North Tyneside and NPC Wellway, NPC Northumbria Way and NPC Lintonville – with more telephone clinics being planned.
CORAL
To determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of CoQ10 added to usual care in people with HFrEF managed in primary care.
We have finished sending out invites to NPC Felton and Widdrington, NPC Eldson Avenue, NPC Cramlington, NPC Haydon Bridge and Allendale, NPC Ponteland, NPC Rothbury, NPC Amble and Broomhill, and NPC North Tyneside. 51 patients have been recruited and will be taking the medication for 12 months.
Primary Breathe
A study evaluating a primary care intervention for chronic breathlessness.
This is being set up at both NPC Felton and Widdrington and NPC Rothbury, and we had 10 interested patients. 4 patients are now receiving the intervention.
EPIC PC
This study aims to improve palliative and end-of-life care for patients and families by exploring how integrated primary and palliative care approaches can enhance support.
A very small number of patients are required and eligible patients from NPC Rothbury, NPC Felton and Widdrington and NPC Ponteland have now been sent information.
NPC Cramlington will be invited next.
STOPmyCOPD
A Structured Health Assessment for People Experiencing Frequent COPD Exacerbations.
This study is being conducted by Professor Stephen Bourke from Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust, and we will be inviting eligible patients from all practices over the coming months. Invites have been sent out to NPC Cramlington and NPC Ponteland patients, with NPC Elsdon avenue next in November. 7 patients have been recruited from NPC Cramlington so far.
REVITALiSE
A randomised evaluation platform – Interventions to treat older people with Sarcopenia
1,000 invites have been sent to eligible patients from NPC Ponteland and NPC Lintonville.
INAS-NEES
A large-scale observational study monitoring the safety of oral contraceptives containing the natural estrogen estetrol (E4) and Drospirenone.
Eligible patients from all our sites will be sent information on the study within 2 weeks of their first prescription.
Spirit Health
A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) service evaluation.
This study is currently in set up for all NPC sites, with NPC Felton and Widdrington going live first.
Patients will receive CGM only where clinically appropriate under NICE or commissioning guidelines, followed by a 12-week support service provided by Spirit Health diabetes specialist clinicians.
Research we’ve participated in:
Click the headings below to find out about research projects that we’ve previously participated in:
The Parent and Baby Project
Looking to prevent food allergy in infants with early tastes of common food allergens.
CORMORANT
A device study testing the accuracy of TidalSense compared to traditional Spirometry for COPD diagnosis.
STRIPE
Study of treatment In paediatric eczema.
Faecal Calprotectin
Re-appraising the use of faecal calprotectin as a diagnostic test
Neuromotor Pen
Completing writing tasks with an interactive pen and tablet in patients being investigated for possible memory loss or movement disorders.
SAFER
Evaluating the benefits of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) to prevent strokes.
ATHENA
Investigating whether Amitriptyline can prevent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-term pain condition that can occur after shingles.
MASS Lifecourse
MASS (Muscle Ageing and Sarcopenia Study) Lifecourse recruited 260 men and women aged 18 to 85 years from across the North East with the aim of investigating how muscles change as we age. By following these people over time we can better understand age-related muscle loss (called sarcopenia) and find new ways to prevent it and treat it more effectively.
ESCAPE
Examining whether e-cigarettes can help individuals with mental illness quit smoking.
Holly Health
Testing a digital health coaching platform for patients with hypertension and anxiety/depression.
Magnify
A low-intervention study to investigate whether adherence support can improve COPD outcomes.
OPACE
Optimising Azithromycin prevention treatment in COPD to reduce exacerbations.
ASCEnD
ASCEnD is a pragmatic, open-label RCT in bipolar depression of quetiapine vs aripiprazole/sertraline combination.
Self Frax
An online study to raise awareness of fracture risk factors and improve osteoporosis care.
OPAL
Looking at he optimal prescribing of Levothyroxine.
Indigo
A national survey for people diagnosed with cancer in their adult life, the study looks at the positive and negative aspects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to improve care, treatments and services.
Crib-2
A trial for patients with a range of mental health diagnoses, this study assesses the benefits of Cognitive Remediation Therapy compared to normal treatment.
Acne Online
The Acne Care Online programme aims to create and test an online toolkit to support young people in effectively treating their acne. By doing this, it aims to reduce the negative physical and mental impact of acne and to reduce the overuse of antibiotics for treating acne.
Researcher Testimonial
“The AGE Research Group has a long-standing partnership with the Northumbria Primary Care (NPC) research team. This partnership has been instrumental in recruiting local participants into our research studies such as MASS Lifecourse and the Acipimox trial, and demonstrates the value of collaboration between primary care and academic research. NPC’s recent growth opens exciting opportunities to develop inclusive recruitment strategies, strengthen community involvement, and ensure research benefits are felt across the region. Together, we are creating more opportunities for local people to shape and take part in research that improves healthcare for all.”
Patient Testimonial
“I’ve never done any research before, but because it was at my normal surgery, I thought I would give it a try … I’ll take part in more now!”
Are you interested in taking part?
NPC Research:
If you want to participate in research at NPC, please fill out the form below. One of our team members will be in touch with you.
NIHR Research:
The National Institute of Health and Care Research are creating a national database of people interested in health research. Please follow this link for more information and to join Be Part of Research.
