A current challenge in rheumatology is to improve patient access to medications that are effective in a timely manner. Making available research participation and explaining research options alongside routine clinical treatment options provides increased choice to patients. The Edinburgh Rheumatology Research Group (ERRG) promotes a culture of research trial options for the patient pathway as part of usual care. The potential to access novel or alternative forms of therapy often at an early phase of disease, or instead of the NHS biologic option, supports improved disease management.
The Team
Dr Neil D McKay
Consultant Rheumatologist, Clinical Research Fellow and Clinical Lead
Edinburgh Rheumatology Research Group, NHS Lothian
Chair and Convener, Scottish Rheumatology Ultrasound Group
Clinical Programme Lead, Rheumatology Sonography Course, Glasgow Caledonia University
Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Edinburgh University
Dr Barbara Kuske
Rheumatology Specialty Doctor
Clinical Research Fellow, Edinburgh Rheumatology Research Group, NHS Lothian
Lorraine Hryhorskyj
Senior Rheumatology Research Nurse
Edinburgh Rheumatology Research Group, NHS Lothian
Susan Ramsay
Senior Rheumatology Research Nurse
Edinburgh Rheumatology Research Group, NHS Lothian
Joan Thomson
Clinical Trials Assistant
Edinburgh Rheumatology Research Group, NHS Lothian
Telephone: 0131 537 2808 Office hours: Monday-Friday 0800-1700
The role of the ERRG
The group collaborate with academic and commercial partners to facilitate rheumatology clinical research. We care for patients in clinical trials providing the highest standard of assessment and access to rheumatology expertise. Furthering knowledge in rheumatic diseases depends on patient involvement and participation. The research we do fits in with the patient management pathway at the Rheumatology Unit. In other words, the clinical study is integrated into the patients clinical care pathway. Close liaison between patient, the patient’s usual care provider, and the ERRG team allow rapid referral for holistic healthcare needs. When the clinical study is the next step for the patient pathway we aim to provide holistic care to the patient for the duration of the study. This means a multidisciplinary approach, involving where necessary, other rheumatological services such as physiotherapy or podiatry, as well as the primary care team and the full range of hospital specialty based services in NHS Lothian.
After the study has completed, we discuss with the patient and their usual consultant care provider , whether care remains in our research/NHS integrated team, or returns to the previous care provider. A patient out with NHS Lothian is therefore also given the option to remain under the care of NHS Lothian Rheumatology after the clinical trial has completed.
This integrated model allows for the highest standard of care alongside the patient participation to answer the research question. The arthritis patient community benefit from answering the research questions, and the patient should also gain benefit via enhanced monitoring / access to the specialist team with the integrated research model.
Why is the ERRG in NHS Lothian
To achieve our goal of increased choice to patients we support and integrate within the existing NHS clinical, nursing, and secretarial staff. The ERRG is very grateful to the supportive Rheumatology Department and NHS Lothian Research &Development structure. We demonstrate the value of clinical research to the clinical service by sharing the work of patient care which is only possible with integration.
The administration, medical, and nursing research staff help cover some of the work of the NHS. The ERRG have innovative combined research and NHS service care models in action. We both assess a patient for research and discuss and move forward NHS clinical care options hand in hand.
How do I participate in clinical research?
When a clinical trial looks like a feasible option, patients should be offered and given the opportunity to contribute to greater knowledge of their disease and therapy. Your consultant will consider and discuss this with you at your clinic visit, if research would be consistent to your care and disease management.
If you are interested in Research, you will be referred to the Edinburgh Rheumatology Research Group , (ERRG) to discuss research options available to you at the present time.
News and Publications
NHS Lothian patients took part in the Be Mobile 1 and Be Mobile 2 studies which showed that treatment with Bimekizumab resulted in sustained efficacy across the axial spondyloarthritis spectrum. Download the report below.
Report on the recent phase 3 trials examining the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in axial spondyloarthritis:
NHS Lothian patients participating in the trial programme of Filgotinib, a selective Jak inhibitor therapy, for rheumatoid arthritis have contributed to the successful license and the availability of a welcome new drug treatment.
- Upadacitinib versus placebo or adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to methotrexate
- Filgotinib versus placebo or adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to methotrexate
