Question 11: Do patients help decide what studies happen or how they're done?
Answer: Yes, patients have a say in what research is developed, how it is carried out and how the results are shared and applied in practice. It is not the same as taking part in the study as a participant, instead, it’s about working alongside the research team to design a study that considers the participants needs, in addition to the scientific element.
If you are interested in getting involved with the design of research in general, then please follow the link below, which will take you to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) website, which provides a wealth of information on this subject. If after visiting this link you are still interested in research and are specifically interested in helping local researchers design their future projects, then get in touch using the email address at the bottom of this page.