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Creating a new NHS England: NHS England and NHS Digital merged on 1 February 2023. All references to NHS Digital now, or in the future, relate to NHS England. More about the merger.

NHS DigiTrials

We support clinical trials that are developing new treatments to improve health and care. We provide safe, authorised access to patient data to help trials reach and benefit as many people as possible. 

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About NHS DigiTrials

Clinical trials help researchers to develop treatments to improve health and care. 

NHS DigiTrials plays an important role in clinical trials. We provide secure data about people's health and care to researchers. They must go through a strict approvals process before receiving any data. 

Watch our animation to find out more.

 

Examples of our work

NHS-GALLERI - a test designed to detect early signs of cancer
NHS-GALLERI - a test designed to detect early signs of cancer

How we helped recruit volunteers for a trial designed to detect cancer from a blood sample.

Find out more about NHS-GALLERI.

PANORAMIC - investigating antivirals to combat COVID-19
PANORAMIC - investigating antivirals to combat COVID-19

We supported this study to find out if antiviral treatments could reduce COVID-19 hospital admissions.

Find out more about PANORAMIC.

OUR FUTURE HEALTH - the UK’s largest ever health research programme
OUR FUTURE HEALTH - the UK’s largest ever health research programme

We're helping bring people together to develop new ways to prevent, detect and treat diseases.

Find out more about OUR FUTURE HEALTH.

RECOVERY - a life-saving treatment for COVID-19
RECOVERY - a life-saving treatment for COVID-19

We supported researchers who discovered an anti-inflammatory drug cut the risk of death by one-third.

Find out more about RECOVERY.

Working with patients for the benefit of everyone

We are very proud to work with our diverse and committed Co-Development Panel, which is made up of people from across England. 

They offer us open and honest insight, representing the voice of the public.

They help to design our services, making them accessible to everyone. 

 

Why we work together

Our panel members and NHS DigiTrials' colleagues explain why collaboration is so important.

 

David, Co-Development Panel member

David, Co-Development Panel member

'Part of our role is making sure that everyone understands how NHS DigiTrials manages and shares people's information, so they know their rights and can feel reassured'

Debs, Co-Development Panel member

Debs, Co-Development Panel member

'The Co-Development Panel always offers a fresh perspective on the services that NHS DigiTrials provides. We can look at things objectively and speak honestly about what will resonate with the public'

Dolapo, Co-Development Panel member

Dolapo, Co-Development Panel member

'When you come across something new and you don't see anyone who looks like you, you can switch off. The panel is passionate about representation' 

Heather, Head of Clinical Trials, NHS DigiTrials

Heather, Head of Clinical Trials, NHS DigiTrials

'Our Co-Development Panel is helping us raise awareness of the benefits of clinical trials across every community. It is important that trials involve many different people so that we know new treatments work for everyone'

John, Co-Development Panel member

John, Co-Development Panel member

'We would like everyone to understand how NHS DigiTrials supports clinical trials that investigate new treatments. We want every community to feel included'

Ly-Mee, Trial Statistician

Ly-Mee, Trial Statistician

'It's great that we have a healthy and honest dialogue with the Co-Development Panel. They help us stay rooted in the wider world and not just within a clinical trials environment. We're proud to work with them'

Mary, Co-Development Panel member

Mary, Co-Development Panel member

'Being part of the Co-Development Panel is an honour for me.  I value the opportunity to represent people living in England to improve how research is delivered and promote greater patient participation’

Reese, Co-Development Panel member

Reese, Co-Development Panel member

'We work together to develop and grow something creative and bring it to life – it's good to nurture this and see it evolve. Everyone has an equal voice and all views are respected'

Susannah, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead

Susannah, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead

'The Co-Development Panel always bring something fresh that we hadn’t thought of before and they challenge us to make sure our services are as accessible as possible'

How we look after patient data

NHS DigiTrials makes sure patient information is shared and stored securely.

We take care to share only

  • the information that is relevant and lawful 

  • with approved researchers 

  • for trials that could benefit patient health and care

If patients are willing to share their information, more treatments and vaccines can be developed for people from every community. But patients have the right to opt out.

Watch our animation to find out more.

 

Read our full transparency notice 

Our role in the NHS

NHS DigiTrials aligns with and directly supports the delivery of a range of government policies and strategies.

Life Sciences Vision
The 10-year cross-government strategy to accelerate delivery of new treatments to patients.

NHS Long Term Plan
Includes ambitions to increase the number of people registering to participate in health research and to make it simpler to set up trials.

The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery
Sets out the steps that will be taken from 2022 to 2025 to achieve the vision for the future of clinical research delivery.

Data Saves Lives
Plans to harness the potential of data in health and care in England, while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and ethics.

NHS DigiTrials: our services

NHS DigiTrials is made up of 4 services that support clinical trials. 

Feasibility Service
Feasibility Service

Works out if there are enough suitable people in England to take part in a particular trial but does not identify individuals

Recruitment Service
Recruitment Service

Uses patient information to identify people who might be suitable for a certain trial - and contacts them to see if they would like to take part

Communication Service
Communication Service

Keeps trial volunteers, who have consented to receive this information, updated about the progress and results of their trial

Outcomes Service
Outcomes Service

Uses patient information for a period of time (agreed with the trial organisation) to show the long-term impact of treatments

Useful links

ARTICLE

How NHS DigiTrials can support your trial

We offer safe, secure access to patient data and provide one-to-one support to help your trial run smoothly and efficiently. Our services can support you at every stage of the clinical trial process. 
ARTICLE

How we invite people to join the Our Future Health research programme

Find out how we invite people to take part in the Our Future Health research programme and how to opt out if you do not wish to receive an invitation letter from NHS Digital.

Last edited: 5 January 2023 4:01 pm