Could you take part in NHS research?

The Lincolnshire Poacher Study, was launched over a year ago and the LCHS Research team are looking for more local people, who are having new symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhoea or other gut troubles to get involved. The study is recruiting from Lincolnshire GP practices and is sponsored by LCHS.

April is IBS awareness month, so the team are using this as an opportunity to make a final call for volunteers.

It is estimated that 10 – 15% of the population worldwide suffer from IBS and at least one in three people will experience the uncomfortable symptoms of at some point in their life. IBS is the most common condition affecting the gut. Common symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain and alterations to bowel habit. *

The study is being led by Professor Jervoise Andreyev, Consultant in Gastroenterology at Lincoln County Hospital in collaboration with LCHS and supported by University of Lincoln and Hull Health Trials Unit.

The aim of the research is to see if nurse-led clinics are more cost effective for the management of IBS symptoms than the usual GP care. The nurse arm of the study follows an algorithm of tests/procedures that will give some patients a diagnosis of a condition and relief of their symptoms.

Participants are required to complete a monthly diary of their symptoms and note the impact on their quality of life.

Debbie Jeffrey, Research Manager at LCHS said: “The Lincolnshire Poacher Study is focused on alleviating patient symptoms, enabling them to have a better quality of life and cost savings for the NHS. I’d like to encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible to please come forward and help with this NHS research.”

If you are interested in being involved in the Poacher Study research study, please contact the LCHS research team by emailing: lhnt.team.research@nhs.net or calling 01522 308808.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) research team is committed to taking part in health research, aimed at improving patient care, developing better treatments and increasing our understanding of disease.

The research team supports GP practices and NHS staff by facilitating research studies across Lincolnshire.