The Central Recruitment Database is now part of Duchenne UK Connect
The Central Recruitment Database (CRD) and Clinical Trial Finder (CTF) have now been integrated into Duchenne UK Connect, a new health platform and app designed to empower people affected by Duchenne, while accelerating research, improving care and supporting the development of future treatments.
Duchenne UK Connect brings together information, research opportunities and support together in one place for the Duchenne community.
Duchenne UK Connect is developed and funded by Duchenne UK and run in collaboration with our partners at the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre at Newcastle University. The platform incorporates the work of our joint Duchenne Hub UK and Duchenne Care UK programmes, including the CRD and CTF.
How Duchenne Hub UK was developed
In 2016, Duchenne UK, in partnership with the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre at Newcastle University, established Duchenne Hub UK (formerly DMD Hub) The aim was to expand clinical trial capacity across the UK to help ensure that more people living with Duchenne could access research opportunities.
As part of this work, we developed the CTF and the CRD. These tools were created to make it easier for people with Duchenne and their families to learn about clinical trials, express interest in taking part in clinical research, and be considered and potentially approached for suitable clinical research, including clinical trial opportunities.
Over the years, the CRD has played an important role in connecting individuals and families with clinical research. As the needs of the community have evolved, we recognised the opportunity to create a more comprehensive, person-centred platform that brings together health information, care resources and research opportunities in one place.
Now part of a bigger platform - Duchenne UK Connect
Duchenne UK Connect is Duchenne UK's new patient health platform and app for people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families.
The platform provides a new way for the UK Duchenne community to:
• Manage health information online
• Access care information, guidance and resources
• Prepare and plan for emergencies
• Learn about clinical trials and research opportunities
• Express interest in taking part in research
• Be considered for clinical trials for which they may be eligible
By bringing these services together, Duchenne UK Connect makes it easier for families to access the support, information and research opportunities that matter to them in one place.
What has changed?
The CRD still exists but it is now hosted on Duchenne UK Connect. It will be run in the same way as previously; however, you will need to register on Duchenne UK Connect and complete the research section on the platform if you want to continue to be part of the CRD.
Once registered on Duchenne UK Connect, you can choose to only complete the research section if you are only interested in being part of the CRD or you can join all the different sections – it’s entirely up to you.
People with Duchenne and their caregivers can now express their interest in participating in clinical research including clinical trials through the research section of Duchenne UK Connect. The platform enables users to share relevant information that may help researchers and trial teams identify individuals who could be suitable for current or future clinical studies.
To be considered for clinical research including clinical trial opportunities, new users should:
1. Register for Duchenne UK Connect
2. Complete the research section of the platform and consent to taking part when prompted
3. Complete the Clinical Trial Expression of Interest section
Existing CRD users
If you previously joined the CRD, you do not need to complete the Clinical Trial Expression of Interest section and enter all of your/your child’s detailed health information again, you just need to register on Duchenne UK Connect and join the research section.
You will then be given the option to have you existing CRD information transferred to Duchenne UK Connect. If you follow the steps to do this the Clinical Trial Expression of Interest will then be automatically completed. No further action is required. However, if you haven’t updated your information on the Central Recruitment Database recently, we would encourage you to check that all or your information is up to date to ensure we have all the correct details for you or your child.
We would also encourage you to explore and make use of the other parts of the Duchenne UK Connect platform beyond the research section.
Important information about future clinical trial opportunities
If you do not register for Duchenne UK Connect and do not consent to sharing your information through the research section of the platform your child will no longer be considered for future clinical research opportunities through the CRD. They will still be considered through their clinical care site and we encourage you to discuss this with your local team or contact the CRD team directly for further information.
To continue receiving opportunities to be considered for relevant clinical trials and research studies, you will need to create a Duchenne UK Connect account and complete the questions within the research section of the platform.
Get started
Register for Duchenne UK Connect today to manage your information, access valuable resources and continue to explore opportunities to participate in research that could help shape the future of Duchenne care and treatment.
Learn more about Duchenne UK Connect
How Duchenne UK Connect can help you manage your information, hear about relevant research and play an active role in shaping the future of Duchenne care and research.
