UCLH has now restarted a high proportion of research studies after having to pause them due to the pandemic.
The Research Directorate’s interventional research portfolio – studies in which an ‘intervention’ such as a drug or device is trialled – has returned to 77.7% of pre-Covid levels, with a total of 473 interventional studies now open.
When analysed on the basis of who is sponsoring trials, the Directorate’s commercial research portfolio – studies sponsored by industry – has returned to 93.6% of pre-Covid levels. A total of 280 industry sponsored studies are now open.
Restarted research includes trials in areas including cancer, critical care, neurology, paediatrics, hearing loss and mental health.
UCLH paused 90% of its studies when the pandemic began. Non-Covid-19 studies only remained open where treatment involved was essential for serious or life-threatening conditions.
Falling rates of infection and pressure on the NHS have allowed paused trials to resume.
Decisions on restarting trials are based on ensuring the safety of patients and staff and minimal disruption to clinical services, with a particular focus on reducing the number of hospital visits required and the burden on PPE equipment. The capacity and of the Trust’s pharmacy and pathology services are also major considerations.
The UCLH process was developed in consultation with patients, who sat on the research response group that initially paused studies and has overseen study restarts.
UCLH Managing Director of Research Dr Nick McNally said: “We have worked hard to restore pre-Covid levels of activity and I thank staff across the Research Directorate and in our clinical divisions for their efforts to make these restarts possible.”
