NHS Trusts around the UK are currently making the decision to postpone the opening of any new clinical trials, along with potentially suspending a number of open trials. This will include some trials in cystic fibrosis.
As safety is the top priority while maintaining research integrity, this decision is being made so clinical and research staff can ensure ongoing patient and staff safety. Some research staff will be asked to prioritise delivery of trials researching treatments vaccines / for COVID-19. Other research staff, in addition to clinical staff, will be required to dedicate more time to support the increased demand on the NHS, supporting front-line care arising as a result of the pandemic.
If you are taking part in a clinical trial, you can expect some of the following changes:
- Depending on the nature of the trial and trial treatment, the trial may be temporarily stopped – if this happens, your local research team will be in touch to let you know what you have to do.
- If the trial continues, where possible, scheduled clinical trial visits to the hospital may be replaced with a telephone call – if you have a planned trial visit at the hospital coming up soon you do not have to attend, but please let your local team know who will support and advise you on what to do.
- If the trial continues, instead of collecting trial medication from your hospital, trial medication may be couriered directly to your home address, or collection can be arranged by a person nominated by yourself.