ContactME-IBS

This project is inviting people who experience symptoms of a common condition known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to join an IBS Research Register.  Symptoms of IBS include constipation, diarrhoea (or both), stomach discomfort and bloating.  The organisers hope that IBS research will help them to better understand the condition as well as develop and assess new treatments.  The register would hold the contact information of adults interested in hearing about and taking part in future IBS research.  People who register would be matched to any relevant research as it becomes available and would be contacted to see if they would like to take part in a study.  The organisers would not share their information with other research teams or organisations, and individuals are free to remove their details from the register at any time.  More information is available online at: https://www.contactme-ibs.co.uk/ or from leaflets available in our waiting area/foyer.

Patient views on taking part in research

 

Every year, we conduct a postal survey of all our patients who have joined a research study through this Practice.  Below is a selection of comments made by some of our survey respondents (August 2019) about their views on the benefits of getting involved in their research study:

 

Early Arthritis Study	“I know I have arthritis but it was good to know that I do not have rheumatoid arthritis"   “It couldn't have been done better.  The person I saw who explained it all was excellent”   “It was less work than I expected”   “Encouraged me to find out about arthritis and pay attention to my general health”   “I am willing to take part in any relevant research projects … I feel it is important to take part in these studies for the benefit of those who need treatment in years to come”
Renewed Online Study	“Reassurance that research is being carried out looking at the after care of post cancer treatment patients”   “The study website carried some useful info online”   “Just glad to be involved and help wherever I can”   “A wellbeing and confidence that these studies are looking to improve things”   “Cancer requires as much research as possible. I have no objection providing anything that can be of use”
Improving Clinical Care in Diabetes Study (ICCD)	“I am always pleased to contribute to medical research”   “This was the first study I did, so I am hoping it will help me and others to cope with our conditions”   “All very good”   “It's great to have the opportunity to take part in research”   “I am sure it will be extremely useful for future patients in years to come”