University of Oxford

RECOVERY Trial

Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy.

Launched in the early days of the pandemic, the RECOVERY Trial grew into one of the world’s largest studies.

The trial was up and running within six weeks of funding and acted as acted as a global, rapid-response team to find out which treatments actually work—and which don’t—for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. By replacing slow, traditional research methods with a smart, streamlined approach, it quickly identified life-saving, affordable drugs (like dexamethasone) and brought them to the bedside, changing standard care worldwide within weeks. With thousands of patients enrolled across NHS hospitals, the trial needed clear communication tools to support both clinical teams and patients.

Morph Solution

Morph worked with the RECOVERY team to turn complex and changing trial information into accessible, practical animations at speed.

Clinician Information Animation — a focused, minimal explainer showing NHS staff exactly how to run the trial, step by step. Designed for maximum clarity, it was delivered in just a couple of weeks.
Patient Information Animation — a reassuring two-minute animation translating the detailed Patient Information Sheet into clear, plain language. Designed to support understanding at the point of care, it was presented to patients on tablets to aid informed consent.

RECOVERY Trial video

The RECOVERY Trial is being carried out by the NHS and the University of Oxford and is trying to find an effective treatment for Covid-19.

You or your child are being invited to take part in the Trial, because you’ve been admitted to hospital and have proven Covid-19.

We're testing several treatments suggested by the expert panel that advises the Chief Medical Officer in England.

We don’t know if they’ll be effective, but experts think they should be tested in people of all ages.

So the treatment may, or may not, help you or your child personally...but this study should help future patients.

The side-effects of these treatments are mostly known from other uses, so your doctor will know what to look out for and can discuss this with you.

You can also find more details in the full information sheet that you have been given.

If you or your child join the study, we will need a signed consent form and some general health information.

Then you’ll be randomly allocated to one or more of the treatment options by a computer.

You will either receive the usual standard of care that all patients receive, with no additional treatment. Or the usual standard of care plus one of the treatments which might be given by mouth, injection or inhalation.

Neither you nor your doctor can choose which treatment you’ll receive. But patients will only be included if their doctor thinks they are suitable.

During the trial we will record patient health information which will be stored confidentially and securely on computers at the University of Oxford. We will get this information from your medical records.

When you leave the hospital there will be no further visits for the trial, but we will continue to collect your medical data held by the NHS for up to ten years.

Joining the study is voluntary and you or your doctor can stop the treatment at any time.

If you want any more information about the RECOVERY Trial please talk to one of the Hospital Medical Team.

We will be happy to answer your questions.

Thank you for considering this trial.

They have really helped explain the trial to patients at a stressful time in their care and we were delighted with the thought and care that Morph put into helping us develop them. The animations that Morph provided for the RECOVERY trial were really well-received by participants and study staff alike.

Professor Richard Haynes, University of Oxford