Electronic Risk Assessment for Cancer for Patients in General Practice
Finding cancer early gives people the best chance of successful treatment. The ERICA trial looks at whether computer alert systems can support GPs across England to catch cancer sooner. These tools check symptoms entered into the computer during routine appointments and flag when someone might benefit from further tests or an urgent referral. Whole GP surgeries join the trial rather than individual patients. Some surgeries will use the alert system, while others continue with standard care. Researchers will compare both groups to see if the tool makes a difference. A small number of patients whose records trigger an alert may be invited to share their experiences. They can choose to take part in interviews or fill in surveys about their quality of life. Taking part does not involve any experimental medicine, and routine NHS care continues as normal.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Catching cancer in its early stages can save lives, but early symptoms like tiredness, weight loss, or mild tummy pain are common and usually caused by minor conditions. This can make it tricky for GPs to know exactly when to send someone for urgent cancer checks. The ERICA study is testing a digital tool designed to help doctors make these difficult decisions.
The tool works directly within the computer system your GP already uses. As the doctor types in your symptoms and test results, the software quietly calculates the risk of cancer. If the risk reaches a certain level, an alert pops up on the screen suggesting possible tests or specialist referrals for the GP to consider.
Researchers want to find out whether having these computer prompts helps doctors find cancers earlier without creating unnecessary worry or extra tests for people who do not have cancer. By comparing practices using the tool against practices working as normal, the NHS can decide if this technology should be used everywhere in the future.
Key takeaways
- The ERICA trial tests a computer tool that helps GPs spot possible signs of cancer earlier.
- Whole GP practices in England join the study, rather than individual patients.
- The tool offers advice to doctors during appointments, but the GP always makes the final decision.
- No experimental medications or extra medical procedures are involved.
- Some patients may be invited to share their experiences through short surveys or interviews.
Who may be eligible?
Individual patients cannot sign up for the main trial on their own. Instead, entire GP practices in England agree to join. To take part, a surgery must use one of the main NHS computer systems (such as EMIS or SystmOne) and have its doctors agree to the study.
However, you might be invited to join a smaller part of the study if you are a registered patient at a participating practice. This happens if your symptoms trigger an alert on the computer and your GP arranges tests or a referral for you.
If you are invited, taking part in the patient interviews or questionnaires is completely optional. If your surgery is not part of the trial, there is no way to join individually, but you will always receive standard NHS care from your GP.
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.
- You are registered with a GP practice in England taking part in the ERICA trial.
- Your GP practice uses either the EMIS or SystmOne computer system.
- Your doctor has recently arranged tests or a hospital referral for your symptoms.
- You have received an invitation from your GP surgery to give feedback about your care.
- You are happy to share your views via an interview or written survey.
What does participation involve?
If your GP practice is taking part, you do not need to attend any extra hospital visits for the main trial, and there are no new medications to take. Your GP simply uses the new software during your normal appointments.
If you are invited to join the smaller feedback studies, you may be asked to take part in a one-to-one interview (in person, by video, or over the phone) lasting around 30 to 60 minutes to talk about your experience. Alternatively, you might be asked to complete short surveys about your general health, quality of life, and NHS visits over a few months. Taking part is voluntary, and you can stop at any point.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of ExeterUnverifiedExeter, England
Common questions
Does an alert mean I have cancer?
No. The alert only suggests that your symptoms could be linked to cancer and that further tests might be sensible to rule it out. Most people who have tests do not have cancer.
Will this study change my medical treatment?
No. Your GP is always in control and makes all medical decisions with you. The computer tool is simply an extra guide to support their clinical judgement.
Do I have to take any new medicines?
No. This trial tests a computer software program for doctors. It does not involve any experimental drugs or treatments.
Do I have to take part if I receive an invitation?
No. Taking part in the interviews or surveys is completely voluntary. If you choose not to, your normal NHS care will remain exactly the same.
Is my personal medical information kept safe?
Yes. All information used in the study is kept strictly confidential and protected according to NHS data protection laws and ethical standards.
How to find out more
Raff Calitri
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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