Research Appreciation Week | Primary care latest updates

The National Institute for Health and Care (NIHR) Research "Be Part of Research campaign" runs from 3^rd until 9^th June. To mark this week we’re raising awareness about the difference research can make to the health, care and wellbeing of local people across Northamptonshire.

Clinical research is a cornerstone of modern medicine and healthcare, driving innovation and improvements in patient outcomes. Within the NHS, the significance of clinical research cannot be overstated, it is beneficial to patients, healthcare professionals, and the system as a whole.

This spotlight article from Dr Andre Krzeminski, a Northamptonshire GP and researcher, outlines how he integrates research into General Practice.

He said: "As a clinician, researcher, and former Biomedical science graduate, my journey into medicine has been deeply intertwined with my passion for scientific inquiry. For nearly a decade, I've had the privilege of conducting clinical research at Albany House Medical Centre in Wellingborough, seamlessly blending my love for science with patient care.

"My research journey began at Sheffield University, where I immersed myself in the world of science while working on the Human Genome Project. Despite the intellectual stimulation of wet-lab experiments and running electrophoresis samples, I realised that I craved something vital which was missing—the human connection. This realisation steered me towards a career in medicine, where I could combine my scientific expertise with direct patient interaction.

"Upon qualifying as a General Practitioner, I found myself at Albany House Medical Centre, where I now lead the Research and Development department alongside my clinical duties. Over the years, our department has achieved significant milestones, including being the first to enrol patients globally in various research studies. Additionally, we've been honoured with awards by our local Clinical Research Network (CRN), recognising our contributions to medical research.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the tangible impact of our research on patient care. Whether it's directly through exploring new therapies for diseases or, or indirectly from the interactions and rapport built with patients, the benefits are profound.

"Research not only improves individual patient outcomes but also contributes positively to broader public health initiatives, such as the successful vaccination campaigns witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, with an increased emphasis on continuity of care, research must play a vital role in shaping the future of our General Practice plans. To enable us stay at the forefront of medical advancements, and to ensure that patients receive the best possible care, healthcare providers must embrace and prioritise research within our practice frameworks.

"At Albany House Medical Centre, our commitment to innovation and patient-centred care drives us to continually strive for excellence in both clinical practice and research endeavours.

"By embracing research as an integral part of our practice, we can usher in a new era of integrated care, where scientific discovery and compassionate patient care go hand in hand."

To learn more about the research team and initiatives, please visit the Albany House Research website

If you are interested in becoming involved in research, there are several ways health professionals can become involved.

Please contact Onyinye Ndefo, Research Lead, Northamptonshire ICB via onyinye.ndefo@nhs.net for information about potential opportunities.

More information
Northamptonshire ICB Research page