Communications Managers

Communications managers

Where you can make a difference:

• Ensuring visibility of research as a Trust activity to staff and patients and externally to the wider public. Work with your R&D team. You could also link with the Communication lead in your Local Clinical Research Network

• Most Trusts have Patient Research Champions who can be helpful in patient centred communications. Check with the R&D or Research Nurses teams.

Your influence is high in:

• Communicating positive messages about research in your Trust and its importance in patient care

• Providing helpful support to staff and departments by producing research related posters, leaflets and notices

• Helping to ensure the visibility of research in your trust to patients who visit your website or in person

Key messages:

• "A growing body of evidence shows that trusts with high levels of clinical research activity have better patient outcomes (e.g. lower mortality rates)"

• "Surveys show that patients and staff have very positive, empowering experiences of research studies"

• "The CQC now has a remit to assess how trusts are supporting and using clinical research to improve patient care"

Media, tools, support and links

• ‘Be part of research’ site shows current research in a wide range of clinical areas and where and how patients can take part

• Supporting health research to improve patient outcomes (Paul Charlton, Patient Research Champion)

• Research Participant Experience Report 2019 shows that 90% of research participants have a good experience in studies.

• Working with your R&D team

• Existing research communications materials about embedding research available from the NIHR

• Existing research results dissemination communications