Help us to design a study

Participation doesn’t always necessarily mean that you have to take part in a research study as research participant. People with personal experience of healthcare, or a carer of someone else who has, are often the ones who are best placed to comment on what research is needed and how that research should be done.

Bringing together patients, carers, the general public, health and social care providers, and researchers to develop, conduct and report a research study is commonly known as Patient and Public Involvement (PPI).

Talking to patients and members of the public about a research idea at an early stage helps ensure that the idea relates to something that is important, feasible and relevant to patients. 

There are a variety of other ways to get involved in research, including:

• participating in discussions and workshops
• reading, writing and reviewing patient information leaflets or other research materials
• being a member of a project advisory or steering group
• helping to design research projects
• supporting other patients who are taking part in a research study
• sharing the research findings with other patients, for example, through patients’ forums or newsletters

There are several reasons why you will benefit from being actively involved in the research process:

• to have your say in research;
• to initiate research that is important to you;
• to learn more about research;
• to have opportunities to meet new people – researchers and other patients or members of the public;
• to gain confidence and new skills.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact the Research & Development Department via email uhdb.randdadmin@nhs.net or telephone 01332 724639.