Information for Participants
Information about EMCRF for participants involved in research studies.
What is a Clinical Research Facility (CRF)?
Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) are clinical units or wards within hospitals, like the John Radcliffe, dedicated to conducting clinical research. The research is usually experimental, meaning that the medicine or procedure is at an early stage of development. This means the research is not currently used to help treat patients, but it is testing new treatments. It is hoped that these will help treat patients in the future. The unit is set up especially for this type of research and is governed by clinical research regulations and guidelines.
The Oxford Experimental Medicine Clinical Research Facility (Oxford EMCRF)
The Oxford EMCRF was set up by the University of Oxford and it works closely with the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH Trust). Doctors, nurses along with teams from both the University and the Oxford hospitals do their research in the facility. They also help to ensure the facility is suitable for their patients and study participants.
Who is working at Oxford EMCRF?
Staff working at Oxford EMCRF are experienced in clinical research. Usually, you will see the same team and you probably would have met your research nurse before you come to the facility. However, sometimes you may be meeting them for the first time at the facility.
On a regular day in Oxford EMCRF there are usually different staff working. This includes:
- Our friendly reception team who will meet and greet you
- Oxford EMCRF Manager who is often around
- Your Research Nurse
- Your doctor and/or member of their team
Other participants, like you, may also be there. They could be participating in the same study as you or a different one.
What will happen when I come to the facility?
When you come into the facility, you will need to report to the reception desk and state your name and who you have come to see. You’ll then be taken through to the waiting room to meet your nursing team and then on to one of the study rooms.
The first time you come to the facility, you will be shown around so you can see where the toilets, kitchen and treatment rooms are.
Where we are located
Oxford EMCRF is located on the Churchill Hospital site, in Headington. It is where the old John Warin Ward used to be at the back of the old Churchill hospital. Detail map can be seen here.
Parking
There is some dedicated parking, and you will have to request this through your research nurse at the time of booking the appointment. Unfortunately, parking is not always available, however, there are many Pay per Use parking spaces near the facility, which are available to participants. Blue badge holders will be able to access parking close to the facility.
What if there is a problem whilst I am attending Oxford EMCRF?
If there is a medical problem whilst you are in Oxford EMCRF the team on-site will assist you with the same expertise and procedures for any medical situation.
If you experience other problems or concerns related to the research or the facility, the first thing you should do, if appropriate, is to tell your Research Nurse or Doctor. You may also contact the Oxford EMCRF team directly on 01865 737846 or via email oxcrf@ndorms.ox.ac.uk .
What happens to my personal information in Oxford EMCRF?
Oxford EMCRF does not routinely keep information about you nor your involvement in the study. This information is kept by the research team alone. When you are recruited to a study, the team will tell you how that information is kept and what they do with it.
Information about your participation in the study will be recorded in the Electronic Patient Records held by the OUH Trust. The information recorded here will only relate to the study.
With your consent, Oxford EMCRF may ask to keep some information about you in order to contact you about future research. This information would be kept securely and collected only with your consent. We would regularly check with you that you are still happy for your contact information to be kept by us.
If you wish to raise a complaint on how we have handled your personal data, you can contact our Data Protection Officer who will investigate the matter. If you are not satisfied with our response or believe we are processing your personal data in a way that is not lawful you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Patient & Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) at Oxford EMCRF
Oxford EMCRF have a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Strategy which they implement throughout the different stages of research. If you would like to learn more about Oxford EMCRF PPIE activities, please look at our website: www.ndorms.Oxford EMCRF.ox.ac.uk/ppie