Top recruiters to clinical trials in Wessex area

Two studies led by Medicine academics have come top for participant recruitment within the NIHR Clinical Research Network Wessex.

The Paediatric post pneumococcal conjugate vaccine study recruited 831 young children whilst the Carriage rates and antibiotic resistance of bacteria in a community study recruited 630 participants of all ages. 

Both studies, which involve Dr Stuart Clarke and Professor Saul Faust from the University of Southampton and Dr Sarah Williams from Solent NHS Trust, were the highest recruiting studies in Wessex and sixth in the UK within the Children and Infection specialties respectively. 

The Paediatric post pneumococcal conjugate vaccine study is investigating whether bacteria, in particular Streptococcus pneumonia and other disease-causing types of bacteria that are carried in the upper airways of children and adults have varied since the introduction of the Prevenar vaccines. 

The Carriage rates and antibiotic resistance of bacteria in a community study samples bacterium from the upper respiratory tract in order to determine community carriage levels of common respiratory pathogens and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance.

Dr Clarke said: “Together with our partners across Hampshire, we have a long-standing track record in high recruitment rates to clinical trials that go on to have an impact on patients and the healthcare system. Recruitment to these studies involved new ways of partnership working across the community, ensuring research happens both in hospitals but across voluntary organisations, schools, care homes and even in people’s homes. We would like to thank the research teams involved in both studies as well as the patients and their families who have agreed to take part. Without them, we would not be able to carry out the vital research that improves medical treatment.”

Both studies take place at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and across the Solent NHS Trust area.