About us
The UK's largest independent GP research network
PCRA is the open door to general practice for companies that need primary care evidence. We give pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, medtech businesses, and regulatory affairs teams fast, reliable access to around 200 research-active GP practices — covering more than nine million patients across the UK.
We run as a commercial organisation, to commercial timelines — profit just isn't our primary goal. Our purpose is to increase the flow of research studies into primary care, and to widen the range of patients able to take part.
Why choose us?
GPs can be hard to access commercially. We exist to change that. Our practices are not passive participants — they actively want to engage with companies developing new products and treatments. They are trained, motivated, and equipped. And because we handle centralised contracting, project management, and governance, working with us feels nothing like trying to engage NHS practices on your own.
We work with smaller pharmaceutical companies, independent CROs, medical device manufacturers, medtech businesses, and the regulatory and clinical affairs teams within them. We are probably not the right partner for the very largest global trials — but for everyone who needs rigorous, real-world, NHS primary care evidence, we are.
Our commitment to you
We are honest and straightforward. We keep communication open throughout, and we do what we say we will do.
Discover our network
We started with 12 practices. We now have around 200 — including GP practices, community trusts and hospices, and our affiliate network, which includes private community-based sites. Some of our practices serve very large populations. Our network includes practices with specialist clinicians in wound care, respiratory medicine, cardiovascular disease, dermatology, and more.
Beyond the practice boundaries, a collaborative group operates mobile nursing teams, and we have access to a handful of mobile research vans for any projects requiring site mobility. We are also happy to link with secondary care sites for hybrid delivery, and we coordinate national pre-screening of social media responses to studies.
All participating trial staff hold GCP, GDPR, and IATA certification. Equipment is sourced and rented on a per-study basis — meaning no site is ever excluded due to infrastructure.
Key Features
Around 200 research-active GP practices, community trusts, and hospices
More than nine million patients across diverse demographics and geographies
Equipment rented per study — kit is never a barrier
Mobile nursing teams for at-home study delivery nationwide
Mobile vans for community vaccination and outreach programmes
Patient pre-screening service for large national studies
Specialist GP and nurse practitioners available as principal investigators
Paperless, digitally active sites across the network
Backup sites built into every study for resilience
Centralised contracting, finance, and project management
Ready to start your study?
Contact us to discuss how we can support your clinical research needs.
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