In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, clinical research is no longer a separate entity—it is a vital part of modern patient care. Across the UK, general practices are increasingly participating in clinical trials, contributing to medical advancements and improved patient outcomes. However, this dual role brings a unique challenge: balancing the immediate demands of clinical care with the responsibilities of conducting high-quality research.
This blog offers practical strategies to help general practice teams harmonise these dual responsibilities, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan’s emphasis on embedding research within routine care.
Understanding the Dual Role of General Practices
Clinical research empowers healthcare professionals to offer patients access to innovative treatments. At the same time, general practice remains grounded in delivering timely consultations, managing chronic conditions, responding to emergencies, and handling administrative tasks. The key to success lies in recognising the competing demands of both roles and implementing systems that support them.
Common Challenges Include:
- Time Constraints: Busy schedules often leave little room for research activities. A study by Anne Gulland (2016) found that 60% of doctors cited lack of time as the primary barrier to engaging in research.
- Regulatory Burden: Navigating approvals (e.g., HRA), adhering to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), managing data entry, and ensuring compliance often redirect focus from patient care.
- Patient Communication: Discussing research participation without compromising patient trust can be delicate and time-consuming.
- Staffing Shortages: Workforce pressures, exacerbated by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, have made it harder for practices to maintain adequate staffing levels for both care and research.
- Ethical Considerations: Ensuring informed consent and safeguarding patient welfare adds another layer of responsibility.
Why Striking the Right Balance Matters
- Patient-Centred Innovation: Research drives healthcare forward, but it must never come at the cost of patient safety or satisfaction. A balanced approach ensures both quality care and scientific progress.
- Alignment with NHS Goals: The NHS Long Term Plan and NIHR initiatives position research as a core NHS function. Practices that successfully deliver both care and research contribute to national health priorities—and are more likely to secure funding and recognition.
- Professional Growth and Engagement: Research-active clinicians gain access to cutting-edge therapies and continuous professional development, enriching their roles and boosting morale.
Five Strategies for Successful Integration
1. Establish Strong Leadership and Research Roles
Designate a Principal Investigator (PI) with protected time for research and appoint a research coordinator or nurse to share the workload. Practice managers or functional leads can monitor capacity and prevent team burnout by aligning research activity with staff availability.
2. Embrace Technology to Streamline Workflows
- Use integrated Electronic Health Records (EHRs) that link with electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs) to reduce duplication.
- Implement AI tools for data entry and preliminary analysis to save time.
- Utilise project management tools like Trello or Asana for tracking trial milestones.
- Leverage telemedicine and remote monitoring for trial participants—especially helpful in rural or underserved areas.
3. Optimise Scheduling and Workflow
- Allocate dedicated time slots for research appointments.
- Use appointment system templates to accommodate study-specific needs.
- Integrate clinical and research calendars to avoid scheduling conflicts and improve planning.
4. Prioritise Staff Training and Development
All practice team member; clinical and administrative should receive regular training not just on specific protocols, but also on the broader context of clinical research. Ongoing GCP training, SOP familiarity, and refresher courses ensure compliance while reducing disruption to clinical services.
At Biopharmaal Consulting, we provide tailored training solutions that help align research duties with clinical responsibilities—empowering teams to operate efficiently and confidently.
5. Embed Research into Everyday Practice
Make research a natural part of patient care rather than an additional task:
- Discuss potential trial participation during routine consultations.
- Use EHR systems to flag potentially eligible patients.
- Provide brief research awareness training for receptionists and administrators to support study recruitment and patient engagement.
6. Foster Open Communication and Collaboration
Hold regular cross-team meetings to align on recruitment targets, operational plans, and capacity challenges. Promote a culture where team members feel safe to raise concerns early. Collaborate with research partners like Contract Research Organisations (CROs) and Biopharmaal Consulting for regulatory, administrative, and patient recruitment support within NHS frameworks.
Balancing clinical and research responsibilities is both an operational challenge and an opportunity. With thoughtful planning, effective leadership, and a commitment to integration, general practices can deliver exceptional care while contributing meaningfully to medical advancement.
At Biopharmaal Consulting, we’re here to support your practice every step of the way.
Want to explore how we can help embed research into your clinical workflows? Get in touch with our team today.
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*Gulland, Anne. (2016). Doctors cite lack of time as greatest barrier to research. BMJ. 352. i1488. 10.1136/bmj.i1488.