NHS app to help recruit patients for clinical trials in UK-wide health research drive
Ministers plan to use the NHS app to match patients in England with clinical trials, aiming to boost the UK’s role in global medical research and attract investment.
Under the proposed system, users will receive smartphone notifications inviting them to take part in trials based on their health data and interests. The goal is to make participation easier and more inclusive, while speeding up trial approvals.
The reforms are part of the upcoming 10-year health plan for England, which aims to cut trial set-up times from 250 to 150 days by 2026. NHS trusts failing to meet trial targets will be publicly named, while top performers will receive priority funding.
Officials hope the centralised NHS system gives the UK an edge over countries with insurance-based healthcare. The new system will be managed through the NIHR’s “Be Part of Research” platform.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the initiative could help Britain lead the next wave of life sciences, building on the public’s enthusiasm for research shown during the Covid vaccine rollout.
