Primary care research project highlights growing role of community-based studies

Imperial medical students have explored how research in GP settings could help bring more clinical studies closer to patients, highlighting the strength of collaboration across the BRC.

Four medical students at Imperial College London, Angela Diasivi, Ibukun Ojo, Tamsin Massiah Howard and Pauline Njau, have completed a research project showing how Primary Care Research Units, or PCRUs, could help grow commercial clinical research in the community.

The project was carried out as part of the second-year Clinical Research and Innovation module in the Medicine course, at Richford Gate Medical Centre under the supervision of Professor David Wingfield, NIHR Imperial BRC Primary Care Research Lead.

By speaking to experts from the NIHR, general practice and research delivery, and by analysing regional data from North-West London, the students looked at how research in GP settings is developing and what is needed to help it grow further.

Their findings suggest that PCRUs are becoming increasingly valuable for delivering commercial research outside hospitals, helping support a wider shift towards more community-based care. The project also found that while there is clear potential for growth, staff capacity, training and resources remain important challenges.
Professor David Wingfield highlighted the importance of PCRUs: “Delivering the UK Life Sciences Plan will rely heavily on engagement and delivery of commercial research in Primary Care. This project has demonstrated that there is understanding and commitment across the Primary Care system and that data already shows a trajectory to delivery. Combining BRC objectives with the education of MBBS students at Imperial College has produced an interesting and insightful output which is to be commended.”
The work showcases how the BRC brings together education, frontline care and research to explore important real-world healthcare challenges and support innovation closer to patients.

Working on the project the students obtained a valuable first-hand insight into primary care research which strengthened their interest in being involved in research as part of their medical career.

Angela: “This project was an eye-opening introduction to the importance and potential of primary care research. Exploring PCRUs felt like stepping into something new and exciting, and I am proud of how our group worked together to ask important questions and find meaningful answers.”

Ibukun: “This was my first experience of research, and it was incredibly rewarding to help build a project from the ground up and see it through to completion. It gave me a much stronger understanding of the importance and future potential of PCRUs in North-West London and beyond.”

Tamsin: “This project helped me build confidence in analysing interviews and turning complex information into a clear story. It also strengthened my interest in general practice and in the potential of PCRUs to expand commercial research in primary care.”

Pauline: “This project highlighted the importance of research delivery in primary care and challenged my assumption that research mainly happens in hospitals. Interviewing key stakeholders and analysing the data helped me better understand how primary care research units support commercial research and opened my eyes to the future potential of this area.”

The team thanked Richford Gate Medical Practice and the NIHR Agile Research Delivery Team for their support with the project.