Research Design Service

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Design Service (RDS) West Midlands provide help on research design to researchers in the West Midlands to develop grant applications to the NIHR and other national peer-reviewed funding programmes. Our advisers offer a unique breadth of experience, expertise and a proven track record in improving research applications.

Public Involvement in research means the active contribution of patients and members of the public to research. Patients and members of the public can use their personal knowledge and experience of health conditions, illness or health care services to help shape research. No previous experience of research is needed. People can contribute in a number of different ways, such as:

• Helping to develop research ideas or grant applications

• Helping to develop clear materials e.g. patient information leaflets or questionnaires

• Offering advice on how projects are run

By getting involved , members of the public:

• Help researchers and health professionals to better understand the perspective of patients and members of the public

• Help to develop research which benefits the patients, members of the public and the NHS

• Learn more about research and develop your skills