As a practice, we feel that research is essential for progress in the NHS and is of considerable benefit to individual patients and the public as a whole.  We therefore regularly take part in research studies with the help of experienced NHS staff who help us search medical records for people who might be suitable for research studies so that we can write to them asking if they are interested.

No personal identifiable data is removed from the NHS or provided to any researchers without specific consent from patients.

All patients are personally informed and/or invited by the practice to participate in any project.  We would also like to reassure patients that research projects will not interfere or hinder ordinary medical care within the practice.

All research projects are carefully planned to ensure safety and medical confidentiality. All projects are rigorously scrutinised by an independent committee from the Highland Health Board which ensures the interests of individual patients are protected.

Research is very much a team effort which involves the whole practice team. If you have any questions about research in the practice, please feel free to contact us and you will be directed to the most appropriate person who will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

1. COSMOS (March 2013)

This MS Society funded study looked at the experiences of people with Multiple Sclerosis who had used intermittent self-catheterisation, with the aim to better understand the issues and impact of using intermittent catheters on patients and determine the support and training needs required to help improve patient care.

2.  SEARCH (March 2012)

Cancer Research UK funded study to carry out research into genes which may predispose patients to melanoma, male breast, endometrial or ovarian cancer.

1.  Chronic Pain (March 2013)

Dr Leila Bawa, conducted this research project locally.  We invited patients with chronic pain to take part in her Mindfulness-based programme, and she explored the barriers and facilitators perceived and experienced by participants in engaging with the programme. The aim is for the development of a modified Mindfulness programme that will be practical and acceptable to people who suffer from chronic pain, to improve uptake and engagement with the programme.

1.  Early estimation of pandemic influenza Antiviral and Vaccine Effectiveness (EAVE) Project (Dec 2013)

A Scottish project, to enhance current flu systems in Scotland and help provide information in the event of any new pandemic of influenza.

1.  Acute Pancreatitis (Dec 2013)

To identify risk factors associated with progression to multiple organ failure amongst individuals with acute pancreatitis.