The Oxford Brain Health Clinic boasts an impressive research participation rate, with 90% of its patients actively engaging in research activities. In comparison, in an audit of memory services across England and Wales, 12.5% of patients who attended memory clinics in 2023 consented to be contacted for research.

Located at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford, this clinic is part of the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC) and is jointly led by Professor Clare Mackay and Dr. Lola Martos. Since its launch in August 2020, the clinic has been dedicated to improving the assessment and diagnosis of memory problems, offering high-quality assessments not typically available in routine NHS care.

One of the standout features of the Oxford Brain Health Clinic is its robust model for research participation. The clinic has successfully integrated clinical services with research activities, creating a seamless environment where patients actively contribute to groundbreaking research. This model has resulted in high numbers of patients participating in research, significantly enhancing the clinic’s ability to advance the understanding and treatment of cognitive health challenges.

High Participation Rates and Research Integration

The clinic’s approach to research participation is multifaceted. Patients referred by their GP to pilot-partner memory clinics are first triaged to the Oxford Brain Health Clinic for an advanced brain health assessment. This assessment includes an MRI scan, a neuropsychological assessment, clinical questionnaires, and an interview with the patient’s companion. These comprehensive evaluations provide detailed clinical reports that assist doctors in making more accurate diagnoses.

Crucially, every patient attending the clinic is given the opportunity to participate in research. They can consent to the storage of their anonymised clinical data in the clinic’s research database, complete additional research assessments, and choose to be contacted about future research opportunities. This inclusive approach ensures that a large pool of data is available for research purposes.

Prof C Mackay

Oxford Brain Health Clinic Director, Professor Clare Mackay, who is also Professor of Neuroscience in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, told us: “When we set up the BHC we worked hard to reduce barriers to participation in research, and maximise patient choice. Our impressive recruitment figures, which are made possible by the care and dedication of our great team, mean that the research we do is relevant to our local population.”

The Model’s Success

The success of the Oxford Brain Health Clinic’s model is evident in its high participation rates and the quality of data collected. The clinic’s integration of research and clinical services not only enhances patient care but also accelerates the pace of research. This model has the potential to be replicated in other research clinics across the country, offering a blueprint for integrating research into clinical practice on a national scale.

The Oxford Brain Health Clinic works closely with various research delivery teams within Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, including the Memory and Cognition Research Delivery Team, the Mental Health Research Delivery Team, and the Community Research Team. These teams identify potential participants, carry out study procedures, and collect data, ensuring a streamlined and efficient research process.

Moreover, the clinic’s collaboration with the wider Oxford clinical research infrastructure, including the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA) and the Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (OxCIN) at the University of Oxford, further strengthens its research capabilities. This network of partnerships provides a robust support system that can be leveraged to implement the clinic’s model in other research settings.

Be Part of Research

As the Oxford Brain Health Clinic continues to lead the way in research participation success, its story ties in well with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) annual campaign “Be Part of Research”.

Be Part of Research aims to raise awareness about the importance of research participation and encourages more patients to contribute to health research. The Be Part of Research platform is a free service that helps people find and participate in important health and care research across the UK by matching members of the public to suitable studies based on their health condition and/or interests and providing information on how to get involved.

The Oxford Brain Health Clinic stands as a testament to the power of integrating research with clinical practice. Its high participation rates, comprehensive assessments, and collaborative approach make it a model worth emulating. As the “Be Part of Research” campaign kicks off, the clinic’s achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role that patients play in advancing medical research.

Contact the Oxford Brain Health Clinic: 01865 618184 (Monday – Thursday 8:30-16:30)