Clinical Research
Clinical Trials
RICE is a purpose-built specialist unit based in Bath in the grounds of the Royal United Hospital and has been conducting studies for major pharmaceutical and Contract Research Organisations since 1985.
Working to the highest international standards, RICE provides excellent facilities for Phase I, II and III studies of new therapeutic agents for use in the treatment of older people, mainly specialising in dementia and related disorders. We deliver:
¨ HIGHLY TRAINED and experienced medical, nursing and psychology staff including a study site coordinator
¨ A weekly MEMORY CLINIC assessing, diagnosing and treating dementia and memory loss
¨ EFFICIENT REVIEW & ASSISTANCE for rapid development and execution of studies
¨ A VOLUNTEER PANEL of 200 healthy older people from 60 to 90
There are always a number of clinical trials, testing new treatments for dementia, going on at RICE at any one time. Each trial has a strict list of entry criteria. Before people are entered into a trial they will usually have to undergo a screening visit to make sure they fulfil these criteria and are fit and healthy enough to undertake the research. Each trial will have a schedule of visits that the participant will be expected to attend. These visits can have questions and activities for both the patient and the carer, and may also involve investigations such as blood tests or a physical examination. Trials can last from a few weeks to over a year; each one will be very different and will have an individual list of criteria and visit requirements.
Observational and Quality of Life Studies
There are also research studies that do not involve taking any trial medications. These studies are observational and look at quality of life, what it is like to live with or care for somebody with dementia, what life is like for the person who has dementia and the sorts of services that are used by people.
