How GPs Can Support Trials Without Adding Workload

Clinical trials are essential for advancing healthcare, but successful trials depend on timely patient recruitment and accurate data. In the UK, general practitioners (GPs) play a pivotal role in connecting patients to research opportunities. However, GPs are already managing heavy patient loads, administrative tasks, and complex caseloads. So how can GPs support clinical trials without adding workload? Understanding this balance is crucial for designing patient-centric studies and ensuring trials are both efficient and inclusive. 

Role of GPs in the UK Primary-Care and Research Landscape

GPs serve as the first point of contact for most patients. They hold comprehensive knowledge of patients’ medical histories, ongoing treatments, and lifestyle factors, making them uniquely positioned to identify suitable candidates for clinical trials. Their insight ensures that recruitment is targeted, patients are safe, and the study population reflects the diversity of the broader community. In addition, GP involvement can increase patient trust in trials, as recommendations from familiar healthcare providers carry significant weight.

Common Barriers GPs Face

Despite the clear benefits, there are practical barriers that prevent GPs from engaging fully with clinical research. Time pressures remain the most significant challenge. With patient appointments often limited to ten-minute slots, additional research-related activities such as reviewing trial protocols, completing forms, and liaising with trial coordinators can feel overwhelming. Paperwork is another common hurdle, particularly if trial documentation is complex or requires repeated follow-ups. Finally, not all GPs have received research-specific training, and some may feel uncertain about interpreting eligibility criteria or discussing trials with patients.

Why These Barriers Matter

When GPs feel overburdened or underprepared, they may opt out of participating in trials. This can slow recruitment timelines and reduce the representativeness of study populations. Trials that struggle to meet recruitment targets face delays and increased costs, while patients may miss out on access to innovative treatments. Addressing these barriers is therefore essential not only for research efficiency but also for equitable patient access to clinical trials.

Contact us today to learn how TrialChoices can make trial involvement effortless for your practice.

How GPs Can Support Trials Without Adding Workload

General practitioners play a vital role in advancing clinical research, yet many worry that supporting trials will add pressure to their already busy schedules. The good news is that there are practical, low-burden ways GPs can contribute to research while keeping their workload manageable. 

Trials that actively involve GPs tend to achieve higher recruitment rates, better retention, and more representative patient populations. The key is to integrate research into existing workflows and make participation as seamless as possible for both healthcare staff and patients.

Use Patient Record Data to Flag Eligible Patients

One of the most practical ways GPs can assist trials is by leveraging existing patient records to identify eligible participants. Using routine data minimises extra work while ensuring that the right patients are invited to participate. Platforms like DaRe2THINK have demonstrated how primary-care trial recruitment can be piloted efficiently using existing electronic health records. 

Some practical applications include:

• Automated alerts within electronic patient record systems for patients meeting trial criteria.

• Batch generation of patient lists for researchers to review, reducing manual screening.

• Targeted invitations sent directly from the practice, maintaining patient trust and engagement.

This approach supports the trial while ensuring patients are matched with studies relevant to their health conditions. Efficient use of data can also reduce delays in recruitment and contribute to stronger, more reliable research outcomes.

Collaboration With Trusted Research Partners

GPs do not have to manage every aspect of research themselves. Working with experienced research partners allows practices to serve as a gateway for patient participation without taking on full administrative responsibility. These partners handle coordination, follow-ups, consent processes, and data collection, enabling GPs to maintain their focus on patient care.

Collaboration benefits both staff and patients:

• Reduced administrative burden for GPs.

• Professional support for complex trial procedures.

• Better patient communication through consistent updates from research partners.

  
  

Delegation and Team-Based Support in Practices

Delegation is another key strategy. Research responsibilities can be distributed across the broader practice team, including nurses, administrative staff, and research nurses. These team members can handle tasks such as:

• Communicating with potential participants.

• Supporting consent processes.

• Managing follow-up appointments.

• Entering trial data into secure systems.

This team-based approach ensures that the GP does not carry the research workload alone, while creating a culture of research participation within the practice. Patients benefit from more consistent communication, and practices can maintain high standards of care while contributing to important clinical studies.

Embedding Research Into Routine Practice Workflows

Integrating research activities into standard care processes is crucial for minimising disruption. When research is part of routine workflows, participation becomes seamless. Examples include:

• Embedding trial reminders in electronic patient record systems.

• Scheduling research-related appointments alongside regular check-ups.

• Using automated follow-up systems for patient monitoring.

When research is treated as part of normal care rather than an additional task, GPs can support trials without feeling overburdened. This approach benefits both staff and patients, improving recruitment and retention while enhancing the overall research experience.

Benefits — For GPs, Patients, and the UK Health System

Involving general practitioners (GPs) in clinical trials delivers significant benefits for patients, healthcare professionals, and the UK health system as a whole. GP participation in research is not only about advancing science; it directly supports better patient outcomes, enhances professional skills, and strengthens the overall quality of healthcare. The following points highlight why GP-led clinical research is essential and how it creates value across the board.

Better Patient Access to New Treatments and Early Interventions

One of the most immediate benefits of GP involvement is improved patient access to new and potentially life-changing treatments. Through trials embedded in primary care, patients can gain entry to medications, therapies, or diagnostic approaches before they are widely available on the NHS. This is particularly valuable for patients with chronic conditions, rare diseases, or complex health needs, who may benefit from early interventions that are otherwise difficult to access.

Research-active GP practices also make participation more convenient. Patients can take part in trials close to home, within a familiar and trusted environment. This reduces the burden of travel, hospital visits, and specialist appointments, which can often be a barrier to participation. In addition, patients are more likely to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their care with a GP who already knows their medical history, creating a supportive framework for trial participation.

More Representative, Real-World Study Populations

GP practices serve a wide range of patients, spanning different ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and health conditions. This diversity ensures that clinical trials conducted in primary care are more representative of the real-world population.

Real-world representation benefits research by:

• Improving the generalisability of trial findings, ensuring that results apply to a broader patient population.

• Supporting equity in healthcare by including populations that are often underrepresented in hospital-based studies.

• Providing insights into how treatments work across typical daily settings rather than controlled hospital environments.

  
  

Professional Development and Enhanced Skills for Participating Practices

Participation in clinical trials also offers substantial professional benefits for GPs and their teams. Engaging in research provides intellectual stimulation, variety, and exposure to the latest medical innovations. Staff involved in trials often develop new skills in research methodology, data collection, and patient communication.

Other benefits for GP practices include:

• Opportunities for continuing professional development through workshops, training, and collaboration with academic institutions.

• Enhanced job satisfaction from contributing to meaningful research and patient care improvements.

• Potential funding and resource support tied to research participation, which can help practices improve facilities or expand services.

  
  

Strengthening the UK Health System and Contributing to National Medical Evidence

GP involvement in clinical trials also strengthens the health system and supports national healthcare priorities. Research conducted in primary care helps build a robust evidence base for clinical guidelines, public health strategies, and treatment protocols across the NHS.

Key system-level benefits include:

• Generating high-quality, generalisable data that informs national standards and improves patient safety.

• Reducing disparities in research access by reaching patients in community and rural settings.

• Enabling the NHS to identify unmet health needs and optimise resource allocation.

Embedding research in GP practices creates a closer link between evidence generation and clinical application. Patients benefit from treatments informed by up-to-date research, hospitals may experience reduced pressure through earlier interventions in primary care, and the overall healthcare system gains efficiency and improved outcomes.

Addressing Concerns & Ensuring Ethical, Sustainable Involvement

General practitioners play a pivotal role in supporting clinical trials, but engaging in research can sometimes feel daunting. Many GPs worry about additional responsibilities, patient safety, and maintaining high standards of care while participating in research studies. Addressing these concerns and ensuring ethical, sustainable involvement is essential for both successful trials and the well-being of practices.

Acknowledge Common GP Concerns

It is important to recognise the challenges GPs face when participating in clinical trials. Time constraints are often the primary concern, as day-to-day practice demands can leave little room for additional research tasks. Documentation burden can also be significant, especially for GPs who are not accustomed to research protocols or detailed reporting requirements. Finally, a lack of prior research experience may make some practitioners hesitant to participate, fearing mistakes or non-compliance. 

Importance of Structural Support

Providing structural support is one of the most effective ways to reduce the burden on GPs. Practices benefit greatly from having research-experienced staff on hand who can guide procedures, manage data entry, and assist with patient communications. Mentorship from experienced investigators offers reassurance and practical advice, helping GPs navigate unfamiliar aspects of clinical trials. Administrative assistance can further lighten the load, ensuring that paperwork, scheduling, and regulatory compliance are handled efficiently. 

Working Only with Ethically Approved, Well-Regulated Trials

Patient safety and trust are paramount in clinical research. GPs are more likely to engage in studies that are ethically approved and well-regulated. Partnering with trusted research organisations ensures compliance with legal standards, data protection regulations, and best practice guidelines. Trials should clearly communicate safety protocols and confidentiality measures to reassure both GPs and patients. When practitioners know that a study meets high ethical standards, they can participate confidently, knowing that patient welfare is protected at every stage.

Need for Balanced Recruitment Demands

Over-relying on a small group of GP practices for recruitment can lead to burnout and make participation unsustainable. Balanced recruitment strategies distribute workload evenly, allowing more practices to contribute without feeling overwhelmed. Trial organisers should set realistic expectations and provide flexibility in scheduling visits, follow-ups, and reporting. This approach maintains engagement, prevents fatigue, and promotes long-term collaboration between research teams and GP practices. By prioritising balance and fairness, trials can achieve recruitment goals while respecting the operational capacity of each practice.

Ethical and Efficient GP Involvement in Clinical Trials

GPs can play a transformative role in clinical research without overburdening their practice. TrialChoices bridges UK patients and GPs with global clinical trials, using advanced technology and clinical expertise to deliver faster, more accurate recruitment. Leveraging centrally coordinated patient data, studies that once took months can now recruit participants in weeks. This innovation improves trial efficiency, patient engagement, and healthcare outcomes. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research. Contact TrialChoices now at info@trialchoices.org and join a network that makes clinical trial participation simple, effective, and meaningful.