Take part in a research study

We have several studies that are currently open and recruiting volunteers to take part. 

Our studies cover a wide range of clinical specialties including cancer, cardiology (heart conditions), respiratory, surgery, and many more. There are lots of opportunities available for healthy volunteers too.

Here are just a a few examples of our current studies, but the best way to find out about our research is through your care team, joining Be Part of Research, or by getting in touch with our team.

Heart research studies open to recruitment (cardiology)

The Royal Devon has an excellent reputation for clinical research. We deliver a wide range of clinical research studies focusing on different types of heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation.

Our research includes studies that have the potential to improve people’s quality of life, increase understanding of cardiology conditions, and facilitate new and better ways of diagnosing and preventing disease.

Learn more

Improving clinical care in diabetes

  • Have you been diagnosed with diabetes?
  • Can you help by sharing valuable information?

 

The Improving Clinical Care in Diabetes (ICCD) study aims to find out why diabetes and its associated complications progress quickly for some people and much slower in others. Understanding the reasons for the variation is important for developing new treatments to slow progression and identify those patients who may benefit from closer monitoring and alternative treatment.

Sponsored by the Royal Devon and delivered by the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, the study involves answering questions about your diabetes. You can take part online, by email, phone, in person, or via post.

For more information, contact the study team:

01392 408181

rduh.ResearchReferrals@nhs.net

https://www.diabetesgenes.org/current-research/iccd-study/

Supporting reproductive health through clinical research

Are you aged 18-50 and currently eating an omnivorous diet (one that includes meat and dairy)?

Researchers at Fertility Exeter are recruiting participants for a clinical research study investigating whether plant-based diets can help improve reproductive health in men.

The Significance of Plant-based Eating on Reproductive health in Men (S.P.E.R.M) study will look for changes in reproductive health by asking volunteers to adopt a plant-based diet for three months, with support. This research will allow researchers to look more closely at the effects of this dietary pattern on reproductive health to identify any benefits or risks.

To find out more about the study, please get in touch with Joanne Wilson via: rduh.fertilityresearch@nhs.net or visit the Fertility Exeter website.

Hipster

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is leading a cutting-edge research study that has the potential to transform total hip replacement surgery.

The hip surgical techniques to enhance rehabilitation (HIPSTER) study aims to improve the experience of people undergoing total hip replacement surgery to treat severe arthritis.

Over 100,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the UK. Traditionally, surgery has involved the posterior approach where surgeons cut through three tendons at the back of the hip joint to accurately position the artificial ball and socket. While the surgery is highly successful for most patients, over 10% still experience pain one year after the procedure, and more than 6% express dissatisfaction with the results.

Alternative versions of this approach involve cutting fewer tendons, which may lead to quicker recovery, improved rehabilitation, and increased patient satisfaction. However, these changes can make positioning the socket more challenging.

The HIPSTER study investigates the impact of two innovative surgical techniques on patient outcomes, comparing them with the traditional approach. Led by experts at the Exeter Hip Unit at the Royal Devon, the study also incorporates the state-of-the-art MAKO robotic guidance system. This technology enables surgeons to have greater precision while retaining control, minimising tendon disruption.

The study is jointly funded by a partnership between the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Medical Research Council, and is delivered in collaboration with the department of engineering at the University of Exeter.

Launched in October 2023 and managed by the Exeter Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), the study is open for recruitment until August 2025 and has already consented 245 participants.

 

For further information please contact us via the details below:

Hipster Research Team:

01392 406956

Rduh.hipster@nhs.net

Improving patient outcomes from major surgery through research

If you are due to have surgery with us, we may invite you to consent to taking part in a national study aimed at improving the quality of NHS surgical care. This is called the Perioperative Quality Improvement Programme (PQIP).

“Perioperative” refers to the time before, during and after surgery. Our aim is to improve the care and treatment of patients undergoing major surgery in the United Kingdom. We do this by collecting and studying information about you, your surgery, and then your recovery afterwards.

To get involved, speak with the research and development team:

rduh.research-northern@nhs.net

You can also find out more on the PQIP Website: www.pqip.org.uk

National registry of rare kidney diseases

The Royal Devon hosts this national registry of rare kidney diseases which is a UK Kidney Association initiative and the largest registry of its kind world-wide.

Since launch, over 660 people from Exeter and surrounding areas have been recruited to join over 33,000 patients recruited from 109 sites across the UK.

By joining the registry, you can help improve understanding, treatment, and care for people with rare kidney conditions.

Speak to your clinician to find out more, or contact the renal research team: rduh.renalresearch@nhs.net

Are you living with ANCA associated vasculitis?

If you are newly diagnosed with ANCA associated vasculitis or are experiencing a flare up, you may be interested in a clinical research study that aims to increase understanding of the condition.

ANCA associated vasculitis is a disease where blood vessels become inflamed, mainly affecting the walls of small and medium blood vessels in a range of organs and tissues in the body such as the kidneys.

We are recruiting volunteers for a leading observational study that monitors the long-term impact of ANCA associated vasculitis treatment, quality of life, and disease progression. To find out more, contact the renal research team: rduh.renalresearch@nhs.net

Do you have high cholesterol?

The Royal Devon is supporting an exciting research study that is exploring the impact of a new medicine in preventing cardiovascular events.

If you or a family member is living with high cholesterol, you may be interested in learning more.

What is the study about?

This research study will assess if an investigational medication can prevent cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks or strokes) in adults.

Who can take part?

The study is suitable for people aged 40 – 79 who have a high cardiovascular risk, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also called ‘bad’ cholesterol) and have not had a major cardiovascular event.

How do I find out more?

The study is being run by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), Patient Recruitment Centre: Exeter.

To find out more, contact the team:

rduh.prcexeter@nhs.net

Do you have moderate or severe eczema?

The Royal Devon is currently recruiting for a research study for people with moderate to severe eczema who have failed to respond to creams and ointments. This will compare the effectiveness of three routinely used treatments for eczema within the NHS which include Ciclosporin (Tablet), Methotrexate (Injection) and Dupilumab (Injection).

The trial will help to find out which systemic therapy is the most effective and best tolerated. Which in turn will help people with eczema and their doctors select the best treatment, first time.

We are currently recruiting to this study at Exeter. For further information please contact the research team by emailing: rduh.dermatology-research@nhs.net

Compression therapy study

The aim of this study is to find out if compression therapy (a type of bandage or hosiery) will help wounds heal quicker and with fewer complications following surgery to remove keratinocyte cancers on the lower leg.

Participation in this study will help to answer this question and hopefully improve patient outcomes.

If you have planned surgery to remove a lesion on your lower leg which will be allowed to heal by secondary intention and are interested in taking part, please contact the team via email: rduh.dermatology-research@nhs.net

The Exeter 10,000 project

Common diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and dementia, are major health problems that can affect us all. A key part of finding the best treatments, or even better, stopping them from happening, is to understand more about how these diseases develop and why some people get them and some don’t. This will include looking closely at the role played by variations in our genetic code (a bit like looking for spelling mistakes in our body’s instruction manual).

To do this, researchers need blood samples and health information on large numbers of people with and without health problems. The Exeter 10,000 project (EXTEND) was set up to meet these needs.

Funded by the NIHR (the research arm of the NHS), EXTEND has developed into an important resource for recruiting large numbers of local people who are willing to provide blood and urine samples and answer simple health and lifestyle questions.

Learn more on the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility website.

NIHR Be Part of Research

 

Visit the NIHR “be part of research” page, to find upcoming trials in your area. You can narrow down your search by location or by medical condition to find the right trial for you.

Please note, not all trials on the NIHR website will be run in collaboration with The Royal Devon.

 

Become a research champion

Research Champions are patients, carers, members of the public, people who have taken part in a research study before, as well as those who haven’t. Something that they all have in common is that they are passionate about getting more people involved in research so that we can develop better care and treatment for everyone.

Want to become a research champion? Visit the NIHR website for more information