Recruitment Service
Find and contact the right people for your research.
Applications for the Recruitment Service are open. Learn more about the expression of interest process and how to apply.
Want a faster, more efficient way to recruit participants for your clinical trial?
NHS DigiTrials uses the power of patient data to identify potential participants who meet your study criteria.
We handle the entire recruitment process for you, proactively contacting eligible individuals through letters, emails, and SMS. This streamlined approach saves you time and resources, allowing you to focus on delivering your research.
Participant confidentiality is paramount. We strictly adhere to data protection regulations, ensuring your participants' information is always safeguarded. For more information, read our NHS DigiTrials Transparency Notice.
Simplify your recruitment process and achieve faster results with NHS DigiTrials.
How NHS DigiTrials Recruitment works
Some of our national datasets have usage restriction. Browse the dataset catalogue to see what is available and to understand limitations. For more information, contact the team at [email protected].
We make recruitment easy.
Our service is designed to streamline your clinical trial recruitment process:
- by performing an eligibility check - we assess your research project to ensure it aligns with our service criteria
- setup and onboard (integrate) your trial into our system - at this stage we also have the option to collaborate with our behavioural science experts to optimise your recruitment strategies
- identify suitable participants using our extensive patient database
- by recruiting and engaging potential participants on your behalf
- with data security and compliance - we adhere to strict data protection regulations and ensure all processes comply with relevant standards
- by offering dedicated support to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your success
Who can use this service?
Our service specialises in supporting research projects eligible to receive Section 251 clearance under the NHS Act 2006, which allows a temporary lifting of the Common Law Duty of Confidentiality.
It can also be used for any approved healthcare research project that aligns with the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research. This includes projects overseen by the Health Research Authority and, if applicable, a research ethics committee.
Trials we are supporting
Our Future Health began recruitment in July 2022. It is looking into ways of developing new ways to prevent, detect and treat diseases, and will become the largest research cohort in the world.
MyMelanoma will be the largest melanoma data resource ever collected in the UK. This will enable researchers to answer key unanswered questions about melanoma to help develop better care and treatments.
PROTECT-C is a research study offering genetic testing to people to see whether they have a genetic change that increases their risk of breast, ovary, bowel, and/or womb cancer.
Recruitment service cost
Our service fees depend on your trial's needs. We provide a clear quote after reviewing your requirements.
Contact us
The Recruitment Service is open to applications for trials planning to recruit in 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28. Applications for 2025/26 will close 11 April 2025.
For any other questions or queries, contact the enquiry team at [email protected] or call 0300 303 5678.
Last edited: 3 March 2025 1:43 pm