By NHS GP, Dr Harpreet Sood
Our Future Health is a pioneering health research programme, bringing together the public, charities and private sector in a bid to prevent, detect and treat disease. Aiming to become the largest UK medical research programme ever, it offers something for everyone: volunteers gain insight into their own health, whilst providing researchers with crucial data which will enable GPs to adjust the advice or treatments we give, based on our individual patient demographics. Whilst past research tells us most diseases start years before becoming symptomatic, the data collected by Our Future Health provides an opportunity to explore how to diagnose earlier and more effectively. As noted by Professor Sir John Bell, Chairman of Our Future Health, “It is during those initial periods [of an illness] that you really have the opportunity to make a difference.”
From a GP’s perspective, the programme is a significant opportunity to improve our understanding of our local patient populations and develop care to address their needs. I am advocating for others around the country to get behind this programme which is set to change the future of healthcare as we know it.
My ask to fellow GPs:
Both the goal and potential impact of the Our Future Health programme are clear – just read some of the comments below. Only with support from GPs, like you, can we better engage with all patients including those from diverse communities, to better tackle health inequalities. Significant findings are already being discovered and we must ensure they are a true representation of all areas of the UK. By registering your practice, you are ensuring your patients are represented in the largest data set of our time, whilst also giving your practice and patients the opportunity to help future generations live healthier and longer on account of our research. Join leaders from across the country by registering your practice here.
Best wishes,
Dr Harpreet Sood