title: The UK clinical research network--has it been a success for dermatology clinical trials?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Following the successful introduction of five topic-specific research networks in the UK, the Comprehensive Local Research Network (CLRN) was established in 2008 in order to provide a blanket level of support across the whole country regardless of the clinical discipline. The role of the CLRN was to facilitate recruitment into clinical trials, and to encourage greater engagement in research throughout the National Health Service (NHS).
  
  
  METHODS
  This report evaluates the impact of clinical research networks in supporting clinical trials in the UK, with particular reference to our experiences from two non-commercial dermatology trials. It covers our experience of engaging with the CLRN (and other research networks) using two non-commercial dermatology trials as case studies. We present the circumstances that led to our approach to the research networks for support, and the impact that this support had on the delivery of these trials.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both cases, recruitment was boosted considerably following the provision of additional support, although other factors such as the availability of experienced personnel, and the role of advertising and media coverage in promoting the trials were also important in translating this additional resource into increased recruitment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recruitment into clinical trials is a complex task that can be influenced by many factors. A world-class clinical research infrastructure is now in place in England (with similar support available in Scotland and Wales), and it is the responsibility of the research community to ensure that this unique resource is used effectively and responsibly.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, King's Meadow Campus, Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2NR, UK. kim.thomas@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Kim S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koller
authors.forename: Katharine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perdue
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Charlesworth
authors.forename: Joanne R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Chalmers
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003880:Dermatology / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004485:Eczema / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007866:Leg; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic / Q000191:economics; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D018579:Patient Selection; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000191:economics; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014880:Water Softening
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents