Significance and structure of clinical research in the UK: an introduction for gastroenterology and hepatology nurses.

This is the first of two articles from the joint British Society of Gastroenterology Nurses association and Research Committee working group. The group is dedicated to signposting and improving access to research for specialist nurses working in gastroenterology and hepatology. This article is an introduction to the significance and structure of the National Institute for Health Research clinical research landscape in the UK and the importance of encouraging nurse engagement in research. This paper describes and 'demystifies' the clinical trials infrastructure in the UK, which is one of the most organised in the world. Going forwards this working group will organise and conduct educational events encouraging specialist nurses to become more aware of and engage in clinical research in their area of practice.