R&D and the Public

What is research and why is it important?

Without research, many of the treatments and types of care that we routinely receive today in the NHS wouldn’t be available.

Members of the public have an essential role to play, since without people agreeing to take part in research studies these improved treatments and care wouldn’t exist.

There are many different ways people can take part in health and social care research, including:

receiving a new treatment
answering questionnaires
giving researchers permission to look at your medical notes
giving a blood or urine sample

Research is a routine part of treatment and care in NHS Wales. You can find out about why it's important, how to get involved, what the benefits are and what is involved for people who take part on the Health and Care Research Wales website.