Events

We support health-related researchers to involve underserved communities by linking them up with our network of diverse individuals and communities across Sheffield. 

Deep End PPI Research Training - 18th April 2024

·       Exploring the difference between Research, Service Evaluation and Audit.

Explaining the basics of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods.

Understanding the Research Pathway and Timelines


Katie Biggs, from the Clinical Trials Unit at University of Sheffield, hosted a fantastic teaching session on Research Methods with our Deep End PPI group. 

 

To illustrate the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods, she brought two papers written about the same study, one reporting the quantitative results of a randomised controlled trial and the other explaining the qualitative analysis of interviews carried out with the same study participants.

 

As Katie was involved in running the trial, she was able to bring the papers to life with examples and anecdotes from her involvement. It was a great way of demonstrating how the two research methods are essentially two sides of the same coin.

 

We talked about the history of clinical research and James Lind, who in 1774, as the ship’s surgeon in the British Royal Navy, started what is often considered to be the first randomised clinical trial.

 

In this case, it was to study the effects of different treatments on scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, and a major scourge for sailors on long voyages. 

 

Lind’s achievements are celebrated across the world every year, on 20th May – Clinical Trials Day.,

https://www.clinicaltrialsday.org/about

 

Please see this link for more detail about our work with the Oxford Social Prescribing Support Network

Talking about the research with stakeholders: Our third knowledge exchange meeting — Oxford Social Prescribing Research Network 


Deep End PPI meet Peter Knapp - 11th January 2024

Video Animations as Health Information 

The Deep End PPI group met with Peter Knapp from the University of York and Hull Medical School. Peter is applying for funding to undertake research into the use of video animations in Health Information.

The session began with a few examples to illustrate different types of video animation. This included a video animation from NHS England: ‘Why getting your Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are important’ and a White Board Animation explaining the different types of asthma inhalers: 'What is Asthma? - Pathophysiology of Asthma'.

People shared their reflections on video animations they had seen previously. We talked about the advantages or disadvantages in comparison to being given a leaflet on the same topic and then broke down the technical details such as the optimum length of a video, graphic styles, voiceovers and how the videos could be shared.

Overall, the group agreed that Video Animations would be very well suited to some topics and that by taking the viewer on a journey through the use of a story, it helps to draw the viewer in and keep them engaged.

The session concluded by re-watching the initial videos and reflecting on everything we had discussed. Peter said that the session had been very helpful and given him plenty to think about. Everyone agreed it had been a really enjoyable and productive session.

DERA Conference - 12th October 2023

The first DERA conference was held at Channing Hall in Sheffield on Thursday 12th October 2023.

We were delighted to welcome community members from each of the local organisations that we are privileged to work with, in celebrating the work that has been happening, and to share this with our clinical and academic colleagues from around the region.

The morning session opened with a Keynote speech from Dr Caroline Mitchell, followed by interactive sessions on:

In the afternoon we had project updates from: 

Full report to follow.

Social prescribing: Holding, diversity and the link worker role

We welcomed back Dr Stephanie Tierney from the University of Oxford, on 25th May 2023, who updated the group on the findings from their study about social prescribing, and particularly explored the groups views about the concept of holding.

It is especially satisfying for us to hear back about studies we have previously contributed to, and we had a very interesting discussion, where the group specifically highlighted issues related to diversity.

ACCESS - How can clinical trials be more inclusive?

On the 27th May, 2023,  we welcomed our regular visitor from the University of Sheffield, Katie Biggs (ScHARR Clinical Trials Unit), to speak to us about the ACCESS study, which looks at how to make trials more inclusive. 

Katie asked for the group's feedback on the guidance they are producing for people running trials. In addition to agreeing to all of the guidance outlined, more suggestions were made - for example, showing videos of people who had been part of a trial, talking about their experiences. 

Improving retention of Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP's) in Primary care

On the 30th March, 2023,  Dr Rachel King (Nurse researcher) from the University of Sheffield met the Deep End PPI group. Rachel is preparing a grant application to carry out research which focuses on the role of Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Primary care, and strategies that would help to improve workforce retention.

 

Rachel had prepared a few group activities to get everyone talking but once the discussion started it was lively as ever. As always, it is a privilege and a pleasure to work with the Deep End PPI group, their insight and generosity is so valued by researchers, clinicians alike.

Research Development Workshop: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Lung Disease (COPD) in ethnically diverse and underserved populations. 

On the 23rd February 2023,  Dr Shami (NIHR Clinical Academic Lecturer) shared her research idea on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to a mix of practitioners, researchers and those with lived experiences and their carers.

There was a very productive engagement from the participants and takeaways for Shami to shape her work. All the participants were very positive about being in a mixed group as they saw this as an opportunity for the practitioners to hear them and also get more information about the services they receive.

PPI Away Day Follow up Meeting

On the 9th of February 2023, we had a very productive engagement with our PPI members. The meeting aimed to build on the PPI Away Day efforts to empower our PPI members and improve our research activities with them and the communities we engage with. 

We reflected on our plan to implement the 15 key actions raised in the last Away Day and viewed the film recorded by Rosa Cisneros' team.  

The PPI members also participated in various activities to develop DERA research Culture Canvas and decided on how we can fairly share opportunities among them. 

Dr Becky Field explored PPI views on a research to support people with mild cognitive impairment or memory concerns to stay well and promote brain health

On 8th December, 2022,  our PPI members provided feedback on the current memory services and how best the research team can reach underserved individuals and communities.  A huge PPI members turnout (11) indicate their passion for the topic and it's significance primary and social care. 


"The subject matter, interactions and sharing experiences is  what I like the most about today’s meeting. "(PPI member).

DERA Quarterly meeting and PPI  with Dr James Meiring relating to a research on Vaccine Uptake and Immunity in Sheffield.

On 2nd December, 2022,  our PPI members attended the DE Quarterly Cluster meetings to learn about the findings of some of the research they were involved in from Dr  Ben Jackson and Dr Tom Lawy. Dr James Meiring  from the  Infectious Disease Unit of the Sheffield Teaching Hospital also shared their team's research proposal and had valuable feedback from the PPI members and  General Practitioners and other researchers. 


"I really enjoyed the meeting last week and I got so much valuable feedback at this early stage of planning my research idea. 

I think that it is excellent to have this combination of medical doctors and patients from the DeepEnd practices. 

I will definitely be back in touch with the team when I have made some more progress with the protocol/funding application - Thanks again".

(Dr James Meiring)

Reproductive health with Dr Rebecca L. Mawson and Dr Emma Linton

17th November, 2022.  GP researchers Dr. Rebecca L. Mawson and Dr. Emma Linton had an opportunity to directly hear from a range of diverse ethnic minorities in Sheffield about their views on contraceptives. The discussion highlighted issues related to access and delivery of contraception services, as well as those that are socio-cultural and historical. 


"Thank you to the organisers. It was a good, insightful and educational event. I learnt  a lot. Hopefully, I am going to start the conversation in my community to get their views" (PPI member).


DERA PPI Away Day

The Deep End (DE) prioritises the PPI members' views and strives to enhance interactions with them. Our away day on 3rd November  gave our PPI members an opportunity to share food and reflect on their research involvement with us. The event ended with a summary of key actions from the invaluable suggestions raised. Topmost suggestions include PPI group outreach to their communities, DE conference, personal development (e.g. training session research), increase diversity of the group, regular slots for PPI meetings and rolling chair for members.

We appreciate Rosa Cisneros' team for wonderful a film and pictures to record this memorable day. 

The PPI members' summary of what they like most about the day's event include;

PPI with Dr Katie Biggs from the Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU),  University of Sheffield

On 20th October 2022 our Deep End PPI members received update on a clinical trial they were involved from DR Katie. They also provided invaluable feedback to shape the findings, information sheet and consent form for three other clinical trials at various stages.  During the session, they were handed printouts and watched videos relating to these research which had been designed for lay audience to maximise the PPI members' in-depth understanding of the issue.  

"Very productive and efficient session. The researchers were very well prepared with handouts/videos and very pleasant too - Thank you!" (PPI member).