From scurvy to Covid: why clinical trials are as important as ever
On 20 May 1747 a Scottish doctor named James Lind who was investigating the causes of scurvy on board HMS Salisbury took 12 men and gave them a variety of dietary supplements from cider to oranges and lemons in what would become one of the first known clinical trials.
The trial lasted less than a week but, in that time, Lind noticed a marked improvement in the group given fruit enabling him to make the link between scurvy and vitamin C.
Thousands of clinical trials now take place around the world every year and they are the primary way for researchers to find out if a new treatment, like a new drug or diet or medical device, is safe and effective in people.
“Research-active organisations have been shown to deliver better outcomes for patients”, says Dr Vivienne Monk, director of cardiovascular clinical research operations for Barts Heart Centre at St Bartholomew's Hospital.
“They promote excellence in patient care and have the skills and resources needed to deliver outstanding services.
“Research is fundamental to our work to improve the health of our east London communities and beyond. Our patients understand the importance of research and want to get involved.”
Patients who take part in clinical trials may be some of the first people to benefit from a new treatment. For patients with a poor prognosis, it can offer hope for themselves or for patients of the future.
"The consultant tried the normal drugs which didn't seem to have much effect. I wasn't aware of trials beforehand but it's only when you need something that you find out more about it. But what I did find was complete professionalism - the drug worked and that's what I've been on for the last ten years. Without it, I'm not sure life would be worth living. It just shows how important trials are."
Suresh, Barts Health patient and clinical trials participant
The race to find a vaccine has boosted public awareness of research but despite this, our regular programme of trials has been heavily disrupted by Covid-19.
“Recruitment into non-Covid related trials was put on hold during lockdown”, says Vivienne.
“Colleagues were redeployed to work on Covid trials, including those developing vaccines and the healthcare worker study which investigated the impact of the virus on our own staff.” 
“We’re now trying to get back on track and recently received a grant from Barts Charity to support our cardiovascular research. We’re looking to build capacity in cardiothoracic surgery, perioperative medicine (POM), imaging and heart failure.”
A new clinical research facility based at the Royal London Hospital is one of the fundraising priorities for our 900th anniversary fundraising campaign.
It is hoped that the new unit, which will be one of the largest in the south east of England, will open up clinical trials to more patients from different backgrounds to make the treatments of the future more beneficial to the wider population and eventually improve outcomes.
Our experience recruiting to Covid-19 vaccine trials has highlighted the role of patient engagement.
“Involving key community figures from different ethnic and religious groups is so important”, says Vivienne.
“It's vital that we get a representative sample of patients from our very diverse community into trials.
"Neeta Patel, our associate director of engagement and diffusion, and her team have done an enormous amount of work in this area."
Thursday 20 May was International Clinical Trials Day. It is celebrated each year to recognise the people who conduct clinical trials and to say “thanks” for what they do every day to improve public health. Join in on social media using #CTA2021.
Read more
- Research at Barts Health: behind the scenes
- "We knew engagement would be crucial to enrolling participants to our research studies"
- "It is inspiring to see how everyone has worked together during this difficult period"
- "I’m grateful to be surrounded by such a compassionate community"
- “I would make research compulsory for all medical staff”
- "Research is something I'm passionate about"