start page     |    register     |    log-in    |    software

Standard operating procedure

MRC GP Framework No: 013D

1. Introduction

The MRC GP Framework is a well established group of GP surgeries who are willing to take part or who have previously taken part in medical research studies. Unlike other GP practices they usually have a designated room in which subjects for studies can be seen. The majority of subjects for this study will be recruited from MRC GP practices. However, subjects from other sources may be included; e.g. other practices or clinics.

2. Responsibilities

Research nurses trained in the procedure are responsible for establishing contact with MRC practices, AFTER they have had confirmation from the Nurse Co-ordinator which practices are willing to take part. The Nurse Co-ordinator will inform you fortnightly of which MRC practices can be approached and you should not contact any MRC practices independently until given clearance.

3. Equipment

None

4. Method

• The Nurse Co-ordinator will inform the nurses at each centre fortnightly, which MRC practices are available in that area. Only MRC practices on that list which have positively responded should be approached.
  
  
• Subjects can be recruited from Non-MRC practices and hypertension clinics if they meet the study entry criteria. · After you have received the list of MRC practices in your area, select the practices you wish to visit first. Telephone the surgery and speak to the Doctor who expressed a desire for his/her surgery to be involved.
  
  
• Explain the implications of the study for their practice, these include:
  
  
  • A receptionist/practice nurse from the practice to search their database for a list of hypertensive patients.
  • If the practice has EMIS/GPAS databases, Instruct the receptionist to use the inclusion/exclusion parameters of the study to select patients. This is helpful as it can reduce a blanket screen of hypertensive subjects, to a sophisticated search of subjects who meet the inclusion criteria. Examples of criteria to be selected against are diabetes, renal disease and BMI greater than 30.
  • Ensure to discuss the inclusion/exclusion criteria with the reception staff, so they are aware of its importance. A selected search reduces both time spent searching through returned questionnaires for potential subjects, as well as saving money on postage.
  • Explain how the study differs from others they may have been involved with, that is two designated BRIGHT study nurses in their area will be taking all the phenotypic measurements and screening the subjects at their practice (at a time of their convenience), instead of the MRC practice nurse.
  • The MRC practice nurse participation in the study, will involve her/him to look at selected patient notes for diagnosing blood pressure readings. The BRIGHT study nurses will liase with the practice nurse on which notes need to be searched.
  • The MRC practice should keep a record of the time spent by the reception staff compiling the database search and the practice nurse looking at selected notes (indicated by the BRIGHT study nurse). The MRC GP Framework will reimburse this time at a rate of £5/hr Reception staff and £14/hr Practice nurse. All bills should be itemised with the exact time spent and sent to the MRC GP Framework, based at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex.
    
    
• Send a protocol to the GP which lists all the requirements of the study, including the inclusion/exclusion criteria. This should also state that the study has central ethical clearance. However, should they need local research ethics approval that should be sought prior to commencing the study at that particular practice.
  
  
• Ensure to explain to the GP the format following the return of the postal questionnaire.
  
  
• Ensure the practice manager is aware of the requirements of the study and ask when it is convenient to use the practice in order to screen families.
  
  
• Ensure ALL the reception staff are aware of the study, incase subjects misread the questionnaire and spontaneously arrive at the surgery to donate a blood sample.
  
  
• After speaking to the practice nurse and receptionists confirm in writing the details of the study and what is required of their surgery.
  
  
• Ensure all the surgeries you are using have a contact number to give potential subject's who may have misread the questionnaire.
  
  
• When working at each MRC practice comply with the local rules and co-operate with the practice staff on convenient times to screen subjects at their practice.

5. Additional Information

None

6. Reference Documents

None.