Research at NPC
Shaping the future of healthcare
Improving patient care through innovation
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.
Meet the team
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
NeuroMotor Pen
Completing writing tasks with an interactive pen and tablet in patients being investigated for possible memory loss or movement disorders.
CORMORANT
A device study testing the accuracy of TidalSense compared to traditional Spirometry for COPD diagnosis.
NIHR BioResource
Creating a database for research based on genotype or phenotype.
STRIPE
Study of treatment In paediatric eczema.
ENHANCE
Feasibility study looking at tailored intervention for brain health and cognitive enrichment for underserved people at higher risk of dementia in the UK.
CORAL
Heart failure study looking at the potential benefits of adding CoEnzyme Q10 to normal care.
Faecal Calprotectin
Re-appraising the use of faecal calprotectin as a diagnostic test
NIHR Depression Study
Looks into the patient journey following a depression diagnosis
Research we’ve participated in:
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
The MASS Lifecourse looks at how muscles change as we age. It follows people over time to better understand muscle loss (called sarcopenia) to find better ways to prevent it, diagnose it early, 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.
Patient testimonials
See below for feedback from patients who’ve participated in a research project.
“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.
