RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

EMPOWER-1: A Multi-site Clinical Cohort Research Study to Reduce Health Inequality

The EMPOWER-1 study in the UK wants to tackle the challenge of health inequality. Sometimes, medicines don't work as well for certain groups of people, particularly those from different ethnic backgrounds, because these groups weren't well-represented in initial drug tests. The study will look at many common conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. By collecting information from up to 200,000 NHS patients across England, including different ethnic groups, it hopes to find out if commonly prescribed drugs are effective for everyone. The goal is to gather a lot of information that can help doctors make better decisions, leading to fairer and more effective healthcare for all UK citizens.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Future Genetics Limited

Enrolment target

200,000

Start

01 Feb 2020

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2030

What is this study about?

The EMPOWER-1 study is a big research project looking into a really important issue in the UK: why some medicines might not work as well for everyone. When new medicines are tested before they become widely available, sometimes people from different backgrounds, especially various ethnic groups, aren't included enough in these tests. This means that when a medicine is then given to everyone, it might not be as effective or safe for those groups who weren't properly represented.

This study will focus on 19 common and serious health problems in the UK, such as heart conditions, diabetes, asthma, and some types of cancer. Researchers want to understand if the treatments currently used for these conditions are truly working for all patients across the diverse population of the UK. They believe that by looking at a large number of patients and their experiences, they can identify where and why treatments might be failing for some people.

The main goal is to collect a lot of useful information that can help improve how doctors prescribe medicines in the future. By figuring out what works best for different groups of people, the study hopes to make healthcare fairer and more effective for everyone living in the UK, ultimately reducing existing health differences.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make healthcare fairer for everyone in the UK.
It helps understand why existing medicines might not work the same for all people.
You won't get new treatments; it's about collecting information on current care.
Participation involves providing saliva (and optionally blood) and completing questionnaires.
Researchers will also look at your medical records to gather important data.
Your contribution could lead to better tailored treatments for different patient groups.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to a wide range of NHS patients in England, aged 6 years and older. You might be asked to join if you or a family member has one of the specific health conditions the study is investigating, such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma.

Even if you don't have one of these specific conditions, you might still be able to take part if you are an NHS patient at a participating hospital or clinic. This is because the researchers also need to compare information from people without these conditions.

To join, you need to agree to provide a saliva sample (and possibly blood if you're happy to), allow researchers to look at your medical records, and fill out some questionnaires about your health and quality of life. You cannot take part if you are not registered with the NHS or if you are unable to give your consent and have no one legally authorised to do so on your behalf.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you registered with the NHS for your care?
Do you have (or does a close family member have) conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma?
Are you able to provide a saliva sample?
Are you happy for researchers to look at your medical records?
Are you able to fill out some health questionnaires?
Are you aged 6 years or older?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new medication or asked to change your current treatment. Your participation involves giving a saliva sample, and if you are willing and it's practical, a blood sample as well. You will also be asked to complete some questionnaires related to your health, your quality of life, and other study-related questions. Importantly, you would also give your consent for the study team to access your existing medical records. This study doesn't involve regular visits to a clinic or specific follow-up appointments solely for the research. It's about collecting information about your ongoing health and treatments as part of your usual care.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is knowing that you are contributing to important research that could help improve healthcare for many people across the UK, potentially reducing health inequalities for future generations. For you personally, there are no direct medical benefits, as the study doesn't change your treatment. Risks are minimal: providing saliva or blood samples is generally safe, and your medical data will be handled confidentially. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Future Genetics, The Science Centre, Wolverhampton Science Park
Verified postcode
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'health inequality'?

It means that some groups of people have poorer health or less access to good healthcare compared to others, often due to their background or where they live.

Will I get new medicine if I join?

No, this study does not involve giving new medicines. It's about looking at how existing medicines work for different people.

What kind of samples do you need?

The main sample is saliva. You might also be asked if you're willing to give a blood sample, but this is optional.

Will my personal details be kept private?

Yes, all your medical records and personal information will be handled with strict confidentiality and in line with data protection rules.

How long will I be in the study?

There isn't a set 'duration' of participation in terms of active involvement. You provide samples and information once, and your medical records will be accessed for the duration of the study research.

How to find out more

Dr Mohammed Kamran

director@futuregenetics.co.uk 00441216673007 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.