The DaRe2THINK clinical trial, led by the University of Birmingham and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), and run in partnership with NHS providers and the NIHR Research Delivery Network, has developed the platform to reduce paperwork for GP staff and reach communities often underrepresented in research. 

The platform securely links to GP systems, automatically transferring relevant health data to participating NHS General Practices, significantly reducing administrative burden on clinical staff. The enhanced functionality enables practice staff to rapidly identify suitable patient cohorts for NHS clinical trials and engage participants through integrated mobile messaging systems.

DaRe2THINK already securely screens routine healthcare records from more than 13m NHS patients across over 450 General Practices in England.

Puja Myles, director of CPRD at the MHRA, said: 'This platform represents a paradigm shift in how we conduct primary care research. By leveraging routine health data and advanced digital tools, we're removing traditional barriers that have prevented many communities from accessing the benefits of clinical trial participation.'

The current DaRe2THINK trial is investigating whether earlier intervention with NHS treatments can prevent blood clots and memory loss in patients with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm condition associated with vascular dementia. Notably, 25% of participating practices are in England's most health-deprived areas, addressing long-standing inequalities in clinical research participation.

Dipak Kotecha, professor of cardiology at the University of Birmingham, said: ‘DaRe2THINK is leading the way to empower patients and provide an opportunity to take part in NHS clinical trials. The enhanced digital platform has now been rolled out across England, making it quicker and simpler for NHS staff to reach out to their patients, and embedding prevention into routine NHS care.'

Dr Alexandra Lee, a general practitioner at University of Birmingham, said: ‘The digital trial platform used in DaRe2THINK has had a positive impact on the delivery of primary care research and has helped recruit a new cohort of general practices that haven't previously taken part in clinical trials.'

The trial is funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and supported by a dedicated public engagement team. The research was carried out at the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre.