BMJ  2003;327 (1 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7422.0-e

Clinical research is dying in the United Kingdom

Clinical research is going through hard times. In our Education and Debate section John Bell (p 1041) analyses the current status of research in the United Kingdom. After a golden era during the 1970s, a shift towards laboratory and molecular research has reduced the number of clinical trials. Lack of funding, facilities, and trained scientists; medicolegal issues; and inconsistent use of opportunities in the NHS are affecting the ability to deliver good clinical research. Three accompanying editorials show that the way forward is through revitalising academic medicine. Clark and Smith (p 1001) launch a campaign to promote academic medicine, Bhutta (p 1000) provides a perspective from the developing world, and Stewart (p 999) calls for immediate action in the United Kingdom, where the NHS trusts are assessed mainly by clinical performance with no mention of research.


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