1 August 2024

Supporting Clinical Research at the trust

As a trust we are always looking at ways to support colleagues, engage teams and deliver clinical research studies.

Clinical research helps scientists better understand diseases andconditions, advance treatments and prevent them in the future. Patients feel like they are playing a more active role in their health and learn more about their disease or condition. Evidence shows that clinically research-active hospitals have better patient outcomes.

Mr Christopher Buckle, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Christopher Buckle, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

We spoke to Mr Christopher Buckle, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Principal Investigator for the FRUITI, DUALITY trials and most recently the PART study.

What research studies have you taken on at the trust?

“DUALITY (THR Dual mobility Vs Standard Mobility in Hip fracture) and FRUITI (fixation Vs replacement for intracapsular hip fractures) both part of WHITE hip fracture portfolio. Very recently we opened the PART study (Patella resurfacing Vs selective resurfacing in TKR).”

How do you make research work in your team?

“Teamwork. I have a fantastic relationship with the research team at the trust and without their help and expertise it would not be possible to undertake these studies. I also have fantastic colleagues who are engaged in research and keep these studies moving forwards.”

Why do you believe research is important?

“Clinical research is clearly vital in helping us understand and improve the care we deliver. I think research also has significant benefits for the team undertaking it, helping create a culture of engagement, curiosity and continual development that is focused around improving patient care.”

What are your plans and ambitions for research in the future?

“At the trust we are amongst the highest volume units managing patients with hip fractures in the country. I would like to see us participate in an ongoing programme of research that helps us improve the standards of care for this patient group.”

What advice would you give to other colleagues thinking of getting involved in research?

“Talk to your local research team and gather a great team around you. Research is not an individual pursuit.”

Jo-Anne Taylor, Head of Research added: “We have always had a fantastic relationship with the trust’s Orthopaedic clinical team and they have always engaged with clinical research delivery. Patients are so fortunate to be offered the opportunity to participate in new clinical treatments and innovative procedures. This year, within the trust, we have been selected for so many interesting studies across a huge breadth of specialities and it is fantastic to see our research offering continue to expand across the trust year on year.”