NIHR data shows strong local public support for health and care research
The last year has seen an impressive increase in the number of people taking part in health and social care research taking place across Kent, Surrey and Sussex according to data published by the NIHR.
Over 42,000 people participated in 568 research studies across Kent, Surrey and Sussex in 2022/23 - the highest level of research participation in a non-pandemic year - equivalent to 115 people taking part every day.
Broader access to research opportunities outside of a hospital setting resulted in over 7,500 people taking part in 69 studies delivered in places such as GP surgeries, care homes, local authorities and schools.
Patient and Public Representative to the NIHR CRN Kent, Surrey and Sussex (CRN KSS) Partnership Board, Dave Chuter, said: “It is very encouraging to see how many opportunities there are for people to access research in the community. It is important that people understand that research is for everybody.”
Research within NHS organisations continues to go from strength to strength following the pandemic. This year, Kent, Surrey and Sussex experienced impressive recruitment of study participants by Mental Health Trusts and Community Trusts, with notable contributions to dementia studies and those looking at the use of mindfulness.
Over 3,500 women participated in the landmark GBS3 trial, which opened at six NHS acute care sites in the region, with at least one site in each of the counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex. This trial will answer important questions about how best to prevent Group B Strep (GBS) in newborn babies. Bringing together healthcare professionals in obstetrics, midwifery, neonatology, and microbiology the trial investigated the efficacy of two different tests - a bedside test offered at the start of labour and one at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. This is compared with the current UK strategy of offering antibiotics in labour.
In the latest Participant In Research Experience Survey, 97% of research participants from across Kent, Surrey and Sussex said they would take part in research again given the opportunity. This compares with 91% the previous year.
Dr. Joanne Zamani, Chief Operating Officer, NIHR CRN KSS, said:
“Public support and involvement is vital to our work shaping the future of health and social care. It is only through the commitment of our participants, that we can drive through improvements to health and social care services and treatments in the UK.
“The fact that so many people joined our research projects in out-of-hospital settings is a testament, not only to the hard work of our outreach teams, but also to the dedication of the general public to improving health and care today, and for generations to come.
“This adds to the important work that happens within Kent, Surrey and Sussex’s NHS Trusts, with hospitals across the region making major contributions to national and international studies that will shape the future of health care.”
Members of the public can find out about health and care research opportunities by visiting bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk.
