Why do we do research?
Research makes the NHS better at treating patients. Our aim is to find suitable medications or alternative therapies to relieve the symptoms of chronic cough. You may, therefore, be asked if you would be willing to take part in research studies such as completing questionnaires or clinical trials of new cough medicines.
Your participation is entirely voluntary and you do not have to take part if you do not want to. Our staff will not put you under pressure to take part in a study.
“I enjoy going to the research unit. It's interesting, fun, reassuring and worthwhile.”
What to expect if you take part in a study
Participating in research assists advances in science which could lead to new discoveries and more effective treatments
in the future. Before a study starts, the person doing the research has to think carefully about what they are aiming to
achieve and how they are going to achieve it. They develop a clear plan of how the research will be carried out.
Once they have decided this, the study goes through a rigorous review process by an Independent Research
Ethics Committee whose main interest is looking after your safety.
If you are approached about taking part in research, you will be given an
information sheet which describes the study in detail. If you are happy
to take part a researcherwill discuss the study step by step with you
and answer any queries you may have. Before you take part in
any research you will be asked to sign a consent form.
If you do decide to take part in a research study but change
yourmind then you can withdraw at any time without giving
a reason and this will not affect your treatment either now
or in the future.
At the end of each research study the results are
published in our in focus newsletter, worldwide
scientific journals and presented at
international conferences.
Want to know more about how to get involved?
Our new booklet 'how to get involved in chronic cough research' has been designed and written with you in mind.
The booklet aims to answer some common questions you might have about research, help you make a decision about whether taking part in research is right for you, and advise you on how to get involved should you choose to do so.
Our patient information booklets and leaflets are written as an ongoing source of information to support to you. Our resources are written by medical and research professionals and then reviewed by our patients to ensure they are straightforward and jargon free.
Download our booklet today!
