Survey shows over 90% of research participants in Greater Manchester would take part again
Nine-out-of-10 people who took part in health and care research in Greater Manchester last year would get involved again.
That is according to the Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES) completed by research participants across Greater Manchester, East Cheshire and East Lancashire in 2021/22.
Every year, the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) asks thousands of participants across the country to give feedback on their experience of taking part in research. This is carried out to demonstrate to research participants that their contribution is valued, and to help improve the way research studies are designed and delivered, now and in the future.
In the survey conducted by CRN Greater Manchester in collaboration with local health and care organisations, over 92% of participants said they would take part in research again.
To help ensure that they do indeed have the opportunity to get involved again, everyone who completes the PRES is given the option to register with the local consent-to-approach initiative Research for the Future, which keeps subscribers updated with local research opportunities of all different kinds.
In total in 2021/2022, over 2,000 participants in the Greater Manchester region completed the survey.
Some of the recurring themes in participant comments are that they had an exceptional experience courtesy of local research staff, and that they were proud to be contributing to research that could make a difference to future patients or help tackle a specific health or care need.
Some examples of comments include:
- All the staff were very helpful, knowledgeable and caring. I felt safe in their care.
- From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel welcome and valued. All my questions were answered and explained. Without exception, every member of staff has been kind and attentive.
- I feel proud to know that I am helping to advance medical science.
- It was a very positive feeling to know that my contribution would somehow help in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Janet Eastwood, Head of Communications at NIHR CRN Greater Manchester, said: “The results have shown us that 95% of participants questioned felt valued when taking part in research and would take part again which is a great result. We are so grateful to participants for continuing to give us feedback which is helping us to develop an even better research experience.”
Participant in Research Experience Survey key findings:
- 81% of respondents said it was the first research study they had taken part in.
- Over 95% of respondents felt the research team had valued their taking part in the research.
- Almost 98% of respondents felt research staff had always treated them with courtesy and respect.
- 95% of respondents felt the information they received before taking part prepared them for their experience on the study.
