Have you ever thought about taking part in research ?
In our experience, many patients are keen to take part in research, either to benefit from treatments, or to help others experiencing the same condition as them.
Taking part in research can provide evidence of ‘what works’ best, enabling healthcare professionals to use this evidence in future treatments, transforming services, and improving patient outcomes.
To encourage patients to take part in research, we asked a variety of people who were initially hesitant to take part, to share their stories. These people were residents from small coastal towns and we ensured that we heard stories from people from a range of ages, different ethnic backgrounds, and disabilities. We used the experience of these people to inform the development of the three stories in this book. We hope that by sharing these stories we might encourage more people to get
involved in research.
Taking part in research
Being in hospital was an anxious time for me and when I was asked to take part in research I wasn’t sure I wanted to re-visit the hospital. But when I spoke to the lady running the research she was really nice. She explained that it’s ok to bring someone with me and they can stay with me while I’m taking part in the study.
She also told me about my rights as a research participant, I hadn’t really thought about my rights before. She explained that I can decide if I want to stop, even if that’s mid-way through the study and if I want a pause or a break then that’s fine too.
After I had been in a couple of times to see the research nurse, my daughter didn’t have to come in anymore because I felt I knew the people and the environment.
I would say to anyone, if you’re not sure if you can take part, talk to the research team about your concerns, there’s often lots of ways they can help.
In the end I really enjoyed the experience and it feels good to be helping other patients in the future.
When I was discharged from hospital I was asked if I would like to take part in a research study.
I wanted to help, but life was really hectic, especially trying to manage different health problems. Sometimes I feel like I’m always at the hospital or going to appointments, so I really wasn’t sure I could agree to anything else on top of all that! I spoke with the research team and they told me that the research could work around me. I hadn’t really thought that it could work that way!
I arranged times with the researchers when I was already visiting the hospital, so it wasn’t any extra hassle.
Before I took part, I was worried that the research might damage my health but I’ve found the opposite. I’ve even learned more about some of my health problems from the researchers and they kept an eye on me.
It was lovely to be able to give something back to the NHS. I’ve received such good care, I wanted to help and give back.
I definitely didn’t think that taking part in research was for me. I was made redundant last year and all my efforts have been focused on finding work.
It’s been a stressful time and while I’d love to help others, I don’t have the time or finances to be able to do that. I didn’t realise that not all research involves travelling to the hospital though. I was chatting to a friend I’d met in hospital and he told me that he was taking part in some research over the phone.
When I spoke to the research co-ordinator they explained that I could take part by phone or online call, and that some aspects of the study were even by post.
It felt really good to be able to help out and I know that by doing this I’m helping them to know more about my condition and even save someone else’s life.
How to take part in research
Ask your doctor, nurse or any other health professional about taking part or visit our website.