Research

As a research-focused practice, our commitment to supporting research projects is paramount in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes.

Your active participation ensures that our Practice remains at the forefront of innovation, contributing to a healthier future for all.

Active research / trials:

Zeus Trial

This study investigates if a new medication reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, (such as heart attacks and strokes), in patients with CKD, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Anyone aged 18 or over is eligible if they have had a stroke, heart attack, or have insufficient blood flow in their legs, or have CKD which does not require dialysis or a transplant.

This study will involve regular clinic visits and phone calls for up to 4 years. For more information please follow link: https://compasshousemedical.com/zeus-trial/

RESTORE

This study looks at Insomnia and whether a two-week trial of a medication is effective for severe insomnia. Patients aged between 18 and 75, with clinically significant impairment from severe insomnia, and have tried other sleep therapies that have failed are eligible.

This is all completed remotely via online surveys and video/ telephone calls for 7-8 weeks.

COAT – Cellulitis Optimal Antibiotic Treatment

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of a 5-day treatment of antibiotics compared to the standard 7-day treatment of patients who present with lower limb cellulitis, and to evaluate the cost consequences of a shorter course from an NHS and personal perspective.

Anyone over the age of 18 who is seen in the surgery with unilateral cellulitis of the leg is eligible to participate. Enrolled patients will be randomly allocated to either usual care, (7-day antibiotic treatment), or the 5-day antibiotic treatment trial.

All patients will be prescribed a 5-day course of Flucloxacillin and then will be posted two additional tablets, (either placebo or antibiotic), depending on which study arm they have been allocated to.

Virology Swabbing

If you attend the surgery with a cough or cold, you may be asked to carry out a Virology Swab of your throat and nose. The swab is then posted to the Public Health England lab for testing of flu, respiratory illnesses, or COVID. This programme measures the effectiveness of the Flu and COVID injections, and to monitor the spread of respiratory conditions in different regions throughout the year.

You will be advised of the result of the swab, and results will be used anonymously to provide WHO (World Health Organisation) with information to help them decide on the flu vaccine for the next winter and viruses in the local area they may need to develop vaccinations for in the future.

Serology Blood Test

If you attend for a blood test, you will be asked if you are happy for an extra vial of blood to be taken as part of the Serology project. These samples provide information about background levels of population immunity. Blood samples are tested with a number of assays to look at levels of exposure to COVID-19 infection and responses to vaccination.

Samples may also be used for testing antibody levels for other communicable diseases circulating in the community for the effectiveness of associated vaccines. No results are given to patients or their GP, and again the results remain anonymous.

OPTIMISE2 – Optimising Treatment for Mild Hypertension in Older People at Risk of Adverse Events

The aim of this study is to assess the longer-term effects of stopping blood pressure lowering medications in people aged 75 and over, who are taking two or more hypertensive medications and are at a higher risk of drug-related side effects but have a blood pressured in the normal range.

Participating patients will be randomised as to whether to continue with their normal treatment or have their hypertensive medications removed and will be actively followed-up for one year, examining whether deprescribing is safe in this patient group by measuring how many people are admitted to hospital the year after having blood pressure lowering drugs, compared to those who continued with them.

EMIS Recruit

You may receive a text from EMIS Recruit about clinical research. Which we support, for more information please follow this link: https://compasshousemedical.com/emis-recruit/