The CPTU aims to use NHS DigiTrials and other providers such as iPlato to invite participants to participate to their epidemiology studies due to the large number of participants required. This is a new and exciting way to work with NHS Digital, and we are  involved in a proof-of-concept project that may inform how other units handle recruitment in future. 

To study outcomes for several years after the treatment or screening period, we continue to pioneer the use of electronic health records to study outcomes extended follow-up. The CPTU works with NHS Digital and other data providers to allow more efficient approaches to long-term follow-up. In both the GRAIL (NHS-Galleri) and YORKSURe projects, we utilise health registry data collection to meet study objectives, minimising the need for duplicate data collections in secondary care. 

We study novel paradigms to enable smaller trials involving multiple treatment arms and derive and implement novel methods to preserve randomised  comparisons in the presence of non-compliance or opportunistic cross-over. 

• In YorkSure, we use a conceal-reveal design increases statistical power and use of a reciprocal design makes it more acceptable ethically. 
• In Finesse, a pragmatic study utilises open-label using pharmacy stock to deliver the study at a fraction of the cost of a double blind trial. 

We promote the use of electronic patient records and computer applications (apps) for recruitment and management of participants, whenever possible. The CPTU Behavioural Scientist conducted in depth PPI interviews with individuals in target communities for the YorkSure bladder cancer project to determine acceptability of novel data collection methods (such as the mobile phone application and web-based systems). 

In cluster randomised controlled trials that do not require individual-level consent, we use aggregated data (or securely linked encrypted individual level data).