We are keen to involve patients and members of the public, not just as participants of research studies, but in the development and conduct of our research activity.
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) encourages patients and the public to be actively involved in all health research as it leads to better research, clearer outcomes, and faster uptake of new evidence. All the NIHR’s Research Programmes actively engage patients and the public in all stages of research.
Members of the public can:
- bring knowledge and experience of a particular condition or service relevant to the research topic;
- bring a public perspective;
- bring views about the best ways to involve other users and carers in research;
- help to improve the design and focus of the research;
- advise on ‘best practice’ for public involvement throughout research;
- advise on ethical issues.
INVOLVE – Promoting public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research (http://www.invo.org.uk/)
People in Research a web-based resource for members of the public who are looking for opportunities to get involved in research.
