RecruitingObservational

Identifying needs and setting priorities in research for vascular interventional radiology

This study, called INSPIRE-VIR, aims to identify the most important areas for future research in Vascular Interventional Radiology (VIR). VIR is a way of treating conditions affecting blood vessels using small incisions, offering an alternative to traditional open surgery. Each year, over 280,000 such procedures are performed in the UK, but there isn't a national plan for VIR research. The study wants to gather opinions from doctors, nurses, and patients/carers to discover what matters most to them and what research is practical to do. It involves online questionnaires and a group discussion to set research priorities.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Plymouth

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Research priorities in vascular interventional radiology

What is this study about?

This research study, called INSPIRE-VIR, is all about improving the future of Vascular Interventional Radiology (VIR). If you or someone you know has had a VIR procedure, you'll understand that these treatments are a way for doctors to fix problems in blood vessels, often using very small cuts rather than big operations. They've become quite common in the UK, with hundreds of thousands of procedures happening every year.

The important thing is that, right now, there isn't a clear national plan or agreement on what specific areas of VIR need more research. This study aims to change that. It brings together everyone involved – the specialist doctors and nurses who perform these procedures, and importantly, the patients and their carers who have first-hand experience.

By getting all these different perspectives, the study hopes to create a shared understanding of what the most pressing unanswered questions are in VIR. It will also look at whether these potential research projects are actually possible to carry out. The goal is to make sure that future research in VIR is focused on what truly matters to patients and what will make the biggest difference to their care.

Key takeaways

Help decide what research is most important for VIR.
Share your experiences to improve patient care.
Participation involves online questionnaires, mostly.
Anonymous responses for your privacy.
Your input can lead to better treatments.
No physical risks involved.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be based in the UK and be over 18 years old.

For healthcare professionals, this means you are an interventional radiologist (either a consultant or a trainee with at least three years of experience) or an interventional radiology nurse or allied health professional with at least three years of experience.

For patients and carers, we are looking for individuals who have significant personal experience with VIR procedures.

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 based in the UK?
Are you 18 years or older?
Are you a VIR professional with at least 3 years' experience, or a patient/carer with significant VIR experience?
Do you have no recent commercial conflicts of interest related to VIR?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study has two main stages. The first stage involves completing an anonymous online questionnaire. This questionnaire will be sent out in three rounds, each lasting about three weeks. In these rounds, you'll be asked to suggest, rate, and re-rate different research ideas for VIR. All participants will be involved in this stage, which will take place over approximately four months.

The second stage is a workshop, but only a smaller group of around 15 participants (including both professionals and patients/carers) will be invited to this. In this workshop, the top twenty research questions from the questionnaires will be discussed in more detail, looking at how urgent, practical, and patient-focused they are. The entire study is expected to take about one year to complete, starting from November 2025.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers a unique chance to help shape the future of healthcare in Vascular Interventional Radiology. Your input will directly influence which research questions are prioritised, potentially leading to better treatments and ensuring that future studies address the real-world needs of patients. Patients and carers bring invaluable personal experiences, making sure that research focuses on what matters most to them. There are no direct physical risks involved in participating. The main thing to consider is the time you'll need to commit to completing the online questionnaires or attending the workshop.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Unverified
Plymouth, England
University of Plymouth
Unverified
Plymouth, England

Common questions

What is Vascular Interventional Radiology (VIR)?

VIR involves using small tubes and wires inserted through tiny cuts to treat conditions affecting blood vessels, like blockages or bleeding, offering an alternative to traditional open surgery.

How long will the study last?

The study runs from November 2025 to June 2026, with the online questionnaires taking about four months and the whole study completing within roughly one year.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, the online questionnaires are anonymous to protect your privacy.

Do I have to attend a workshop?

No, only a small, specific group of about 15 participants will be invited to the workshop after the initial online questionnaires.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the British Society for Interventional Radiology (BSIR).

How to find out more

Blair Graham

blair.graham@plymouth.ac.uk +44 (0)7538553513 Official trial record

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