Nine in ten Thames Valley NHS research participants would join another study, survey finds
A survey of NHS research participants in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire found that 92 percent would take part in another study.
Of the 412 patients who completed the survey, 94 percent also had a good experience of taking part in research and 75 percent said they took part to help others.
One wrote: “My children took part in the research. I felt reassured that I was giving consent for a good reason and the data collected would be put to good use.”
When asked about attitudes towards staff, 99 percent said they found them friendly and professional.
One wrote: “We just can't stress enough how friendly the nurses and doctors were. My child absolutely loved them coming around and they were so flexible and accommodating.”
Studies in which patients were surveyed include:
- People newly diagnosed with diabetes helping researchers more accurately tell if a patient has type 1 or type 2.
- A questionnaire into why people with mental illness have memory problems.
- Trials of meningitis B vaccines.
Depending on the type of the research, studies are completed in hospitals, GP practices or at home. These can involve drug trials, questionnaires and giving consent to have medical notes and blood samples used in research.
The Patient Research Experience Survey (PRES) is carried out annually by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The data is taken from surveys completed between April 2018 and March 2019.
Prof Belinda Lennox, Clinical Director for the NIHR Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands, said: “Health research is vital for developing new treatments in the NHS and improving the quality of the work that we do.
“We rely on patients and the public to be our partners in this research: to give up their time to trial these new treatments, to advise us on what matters to them and to help us understand how to improve the NHS for the 21st century.
“This is why it is really positive to find out that people who have taken part have overwhelmingly found it a positive experience and would take part again.
“I hope that this is a powerful message for all those considering taking part in research that your contribution can really make a difference and that you will have a good experience at the same time.”
Participating in health research helps develop new treatments, improve the NHS and save lives.
Staff supporting NIHR studies are now being asked to give this year’s survey to research participants.
Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor about research opportunities and view trials seeking volunteers at the Be Part of Research website.
