Reforming clinical research and development in England

The United Kingdom is trying to bring more non-governmental funding into NHS research through partnerships with the commercial and voluntary sectors. But it is still unclear exactly how the reforms in England will work and how trusts will resolve the tensions between patients' needs, financial viability, and the commercial exploitation of research findings

Essential research into health services is often unattractive to commercial sector funders and requires government support.1 Although appreciable NHS funding has been earmarked for this purpose, critics have argued that much of the budget has disappeared into the general funds for service delivery.2 In 2000, the Department of Health announced a major overhaul of health related research within the NHS aimed at providing a clearer strategic direction.3 The reforms signal an increased role for the commercial sector in the identification of strategic objectives, setting priorities, and in the delivery and exploitation of clinical research. This paper provides an overview of the new funding and organisational arrangements for NHS research in England.