The Network is committed to actively involving and engaging patients, carers and the public in all aspects of its activity in order to improve the delivery of clinical research in the NHS and beyond.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) representatives and Research Champions work with teams across the region to support research delivery and raise awareness of opportunities to be involved in research. PPIE initiatives include:
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.
Be Part of Research is a 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.
This animation tells you more.
Register with Join Dementia Research so that you can be told when a study starts in your area and the researchers are looking for people just like you. There's no obligation to take part in any study, but by registering, you’ll find out when new opportunities become available. The service is delivered in partnership by the NIHR, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland.
19 August 2020
Phil, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Audrey, who cares for him, describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them and their commitment to dementia research.
21 July 2020
Five time plasma donor Steve talks about his part in coronavirus research
01 July 2020
Kerry talks about why she decided to donate her plasma for research after recovering from COVID-19
31 March 2020
Taking part in research gave meaning to life for GP Dr Andrew Thompson after a stroke
30 March 2020
‘I would definitely take part in any future trials as it is good to have the opportunity to give something back, and the only thing it costs is a little of your time. The outcomes are very important for improving treatments and benefitting patient welfare.'
Our Research Champions, including members of the Young Persons' Steering Group, work with teams across the region to improve research delivery, awareness and opportunities for the public to be involved in research in the West Midlands. In 2018/19, there were 106 Research Champions in our region - the most of any region in England. For more information on becoming a Champion, contact mohammed.shaikh@nihr.ac.uk.
Read a profile of Research Champion Anne.
The Network also has Professional Research Champions - read Joanna's Story
Our Participant in Research Experience Survey is currently underway (as of November 2019). You can ask your Consultant, Doctor, Nurse or GP for a copy if you would like to take part or you can do so online. Your feedback will help us to make future studies a better experience for people who take part.