COVID-19 Episode 7: Research into COVID-19 in Primary Care

Lisa and Sara talk to doctors involved in primary care research to give an overview of what developments are happening in COVID-19 research in the community at the moment. Our guests are:

Professor Philip Evans - GP, Associate Professor of General Practice at The University of Exeter, National Speciality Lead for Primary Care at NIHR, Cluster Lead at Clinical Research Network National Speciality Hub

Dr Sheila McCorkindale - GP, Local Clinical Research Speciality Lead at NIHR Clinical Research Network, Greater Manchester 

Dr Nick Thomas  - GP, Clinical Research Speciality Lead with NIHR, Clinical Research Lead at the Clinical Innovation and Research Centre at RCGP 

We discuss:

• The ‘PRINCIPLE’ study, the first clinical trial in COVID-19 patients consulting in primary care  
• The RCGP Research and Surveillance programmes
• The National Institute for Health Research programmes

We reflect on the joined up nature of research efforts between branches and within Primary and Secondary care, contributing to all teams working towards the common goal to help patients nationally at this unprecedented time. 

Note: We have taken down episode 4 (managing death in the community) in our COVID-19 series as the Enabling Safe Certification of Death Service has been updated, making parts of the episode no longer relevant. You can check our their FAQ in the resources below for the most up to date information about the service.

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Useful resources: 

• Enabling Safe Certification of Death Service FAQ: https://gmprimarycare.org.uk/coronavirus/
• The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) website: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/support/clinical-research-network.htm
• The Urgent Public Health (UPH) studies: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/covid-19/
• The ‘PRINCIPLE’ (Platform Randomised trial of INterventions against COVID-19 In older peoPLE) study:  https://www.phctrials.ox.ac.uk/principle-trial
• NIHR: Be Part of Research: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/
• RCGP: Research and Surveillance Centre programmes: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical-and-research/our-programmes/research-and-surveillance-centre.aspx
• COVID-19 Symptom Tracker App: https://covid.joinzoe.com/​
• Moodbuster: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/research/moodbuster​
• Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD): https://www.cprd.com/

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We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our really quick anonymous survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

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This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.