Classifying your study correctly is an important place to start, as not all investigative projects undertaken within the NHS are classified as research, and the different categories are subject to different approval processes.
To help you decide whether your project is classified as research you should use the interactive HRA Decision Tool.
If your study is research
If your project is classified as research then you will need to inform us via: [email protected]. If you are not sure if your project would be classified as research please contact us for advice as soon as possible. We will advise you on how to apply for Health Research Authority (HRA) Approval. Every research project involving people and their data must also have a sponsor. For further guidance please read Study sponsorship
We have a dedicated team of research support staff to facilitate your study set up, recruitment and ongoing management and also provide support to local research investigators. If you would like more information or are interested in setting up a clinical research study at UHSussex please see information on supporting researchers.
If your project is clinical audit or service evaluation
If you determine that the project is clinical audit, quality improvement or service evaluation, it will not be managed as research within the NHS. Such projects do not require HRA Approval, ethical review by an NHS Research Ethics Committee, or management permission through the NHS R&D office.