Clinical Research Studies on NICU

Why do we want to study your baby?

Having a baby in intensive care is an incredibly stressful time. Our NICU is staffed with a dedicated and highly trained team with all the clinical skills to support research and are constantly striving to give your baby the best care possible. Progress in neonatal intensive care has been possible due to the participation of babies in previous research studies.

However, there are a lot of things we still do not completely understand about sick newborn infants and the only way to find out is by undertaking new research studies. We hope this information will help to improve the way we advance care in the future

Does my baby have to take part in the research studies?

Participation in research studies is completely voluntary.

If you are interested in taking part in any of the studies, you will have the opportunity to speak to the doctors and nurses running the study before signing a consent form. However, you are free to change your mind and can leave one or all studies at any time without giving a reason.

Will the research interfere with care my baby is receiving?

Participation in a study will not interfere with the standard of medical and nursing care your baby is receiving.

Why are there so many different studies?

Each study is designed to answer a specific question. A separate sheet outlines the current studies being undertaken on the neonatal unit.

The local research ethics committee has approved each study, and it is possible to participate in more than one study if you wish.

For each study you will be given specific information before being asked to sign a separate consent form. You will be able to keep a copy of the consent form, and a copy will be kept in your baby’s notes.

How do I find our more about the studies?

If you ask the doctor or nurse looking after your baby, they will contact one of the research team to come and speak to you and give you information about the various studies.

Information on current studies is also displayed on the research notice board on the neonatal intensive care unit. You can also access information on the neonatal pages of the hospital website.

Thank you for taking the time to read this sheet.