89% of research participants in Kent, Surrey and Sussex said they would take part in research again
A considerable 89% of research participants in Kent, Surrey and Sussex said they would take part in research again, data from the 2023/24 Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES) shows.
Over 50,000 people participated in research studies across the region in 2023/4, and more than 2,300 of these research participants chose to provide valuable feedback on their experience of taking part in health and care research, supported by NIHR Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex (CRN KSS).
This included people who had taken part in research within NHS Trusts, Primary Care, and community settings across the region.
The Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES) is an anonymous survey given to people who have taken part in NIHR health and care research to find out what their experience is like. There are several versions of the survey for different ages and accessibility needs, including paper and online versions.
The results are shared with people and organisations who deliver research across the region, and together we look at ways to make experiences better for everyone. The results are also used to tell people about the benefits of taking part in research and encourage more people to get involved.
Headlines for the survey (adult survey results only):
- 93% said that the information they received before taking part prepared them for their experience
- 59% said that they have been kept updated about the research
- 69% knew how they would receive the results of the study
- 79% knew how to contact someone from the team
- 88% felt valued by the research team
- 92% felt that the research staff treated them with courtesy and respect
- 89% would take part in research again
Comments from participants when asked about their experience include:
“The research was a good positive experience, giving us coping strategies and tips which we are still using and signposting us to where we can find information when necessary.”
“It has kept me alive for the last 12 years. Hopefully the results will help others in the same situation in future.”
“I was fully informed about why research was being done and free to make my own choice, I was not pressured into participating. Staff made me feel valued and thanked me for my participation.”
Madeline Bell, CRN KSS Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead said: “We are delighted to share the results of the PRES for Kent, Surrey and Sussex again this year. It is very heartening to see that a higher proportion of our participants know how they will receive the results of the studies that they take part in, than in previous years. This is a crucial part of our commitment to our participants and something that our delivery organisations have been working hard towards.
“On behalf of CRN KSS and our partners in delivery of health and care research, I would like to thank every member of the public who has taken part in health and care research, and for everyone who took time to complete the PRES survey, so that we can continue to improve experiences and enhance access to research for all.”
To read more of the results, visit the CRN KSS Patients, Carers and Public webpage.
