Patients, Carers and the Public

Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES)

Research is a partnership between participant and researcher. So every year we ask people who volunteered for health and care research to feedback on their experience so we can make improvements via our Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES).

The questionnaire is conducted to understand more about the experiences of research participants across our region. All responses are anonymous. Through the survey, we strive to give as many research participants as possible the chance to feedback on what went well for them and what could be improved.

Take part in the survey 

After a successful pilot last year, all participants completing the PRES digitally in 2024/25 will now use a website developed by our colleagues in CRN North East and North Cumrbia. The website offers increased data accuracy, additional methods to offer the PRES to participants as well as giving participants a host of accessibility features when completing the survey.

For any questions, please email learning.lcrnsnorthwest@nihr.ac.uk 

Last year's results 

Over 1,300 participants in Greater Manchester completed the surveys in 2022/23. More than 94% of our local research participants said they would take part in research again.

Recurring themes in our participant comments are that they had an exceptional experience courtesy of our staff, and that they are proud to be contributing to research that could make a difference to future patients or help tackle a specific health or care need. 

Comments from participants included:

"All hospital staff encountered during study have been knowledgeable, reassuring and professional. Results of the trial have been excellent and improved my quality of life."

"I was treated with respect and courtesy throughout the experience. I was kept informed of exactly what was going on and how important my participation was."

"I feel included in the research rather than as an "extra". I was always treated with respect and after thanked for participation.  The staff were always friendly with strong, professional practice."

"It's given me back my life. I am able to thoroughly enjoy my hobbies and lifestyle. The absolute best of the NHS."

Contact us

Please contact our team on learning.lcrnsnorthwest@nihr.ac.uk 

Research Champions

Patients, carers and the public are essential to our work. We could not do our work without their help and involving the public in our work is one of our key priorities.

A Research Champion is someone who promotes health and social care research from a patient's point of view. They could be a patient, service user, carer or member of the public who is enthusiastic about health research and wants to raise awareness amongst the public and healthcare professionals.

What does the role involve?

A key part of a Research Champion’s role is sharing their experience of being part of research. You can read a detailed description of the different things the role can involve. 

How to become a patient Research Champion

We are always looking to add to our group of local Research Champions in Greater Manchester. If you would like to become a champion or have a casual chat about what the role entails and how you can help, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact our team on learning.lcrnsnorthwest@nihr.ac.uk 

Be Part of Research

How can I take part in research? 

Every minute in the UK, someone is diagnosed with a disease or a condition. The treatment and support they will receive will, at some point, have been informed by research. Whether it’s testing a new medicine, a new surgery procedure or scan, or trying healthier lifestyle choices to prevent disease, everyone has an important role to play – if they want to.

There are lots of different types of research. Research usually involves examining and observing people with different conditions and sometimes comparing them with people who don't have the condition. It can also involve research on samples of blood or other tissues, or tests such as scans or X-rays. Sometimes it might involve surveys or interviews.

You can ask your doctor, nurse or healthcare professional about clinical trials or other health and care studies that you may be suitable for. Or, you can use one of the NIHR’s online services to find a study you can take part in:

Be Part of Research 

Be Part of Research is an NIHR service that makes it easy for the public to learn about and search for research studies. Discover how research studies are designed, what happens when you decide to take part and the importance of taking part. You can:

• use the search tool to find current research studies happening right now
• find studies taking place near you
• filter results easily by age, health condition etc
• use the site on desktop or mobile
• download, save or print the full study details so you can talk to your doctor, nurse or healthcare professional

Once you’ve found a study, you can see all the details including who to contact and ask to take part. Whether you have been diagnosed with a condition or not, everyone can take part in research. Find a study that’s right for you.

Join Dementia Research

Join Dementia Research is an NIHR nationwide service helping to accelerate vital dementia research in the UK. Working like a matchmaking service, simply register your details and a researcher will be in touch when an appropriate study becomes available.

People with dementia or memory problems, their carers and anyone who is interested can sign up. You can sign up online, over the phone or by post.

Dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face today. The number of people with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other types of dementia, is set to double over the next 30 years.

Research offers hope. It is only through research that we can understand what causes the disease, develop effective treatments, improve care and hopefully one day find a cure. But for research to progress we need more people to take part in more studies.

Local Activities

Research changes lives - and there are lots of opportunities to take part right here in Greater Manchester. It is through research that we develop better treatments, and improve diagnosis, prevention, care and quality of life for everyone. Find studies near you through Be Part of Research.

Research for the Future 

Here in Greater Manchester, we have a unique service called Research for the Future.

It is an NHS-supported campaign that helps people find out about and take part in health and care research in and around the region.

Everyone is welcome to register, whether you have a health condition or not. The only requirement is that you are 18 years or over. Registering means you will be informed about research opportunities that are relevant to you.

Research for the Future has a number of areas of particular interest that are promoted via their ‘Help BEAT’ campaigns. Current campaigns include:

• Help BEAT Coronavirus for everyone that wants to help the NHS in the fight against COVID-19
• Help BEAT Diabetes for people who have diabetes or have been told they are at risk of developing it (non-diabetic
  hyperglycaemia)
• Help BEAT Heart Disease for people with conditions such as heart failure, angina and atrial fibrillation
• Help BEAT Kidney Disease for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), are on dialysis or have had a kidney
  transplant
• Help BEAT Respiratory Disease for people with conditions such as COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis. 

You can register your details and join the campaign now. 

Contact:  0161 206 3636  research.future@nca.nhs.uk 

Write to:
Research for the Future
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
1st floor, Summerfield House
Stott Lane
Salford, M6 8HD