NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit

Description

1. The prevalence of liver disease is rising due to increases in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, alcohol use and obesity. This inflammation leads to further damage to the liver causing cirrhosis and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Researchers at the University of Birmingham and University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust have been analysing molecular cells to obtain a better understanding of why problems occur in the liver so that they can help to identify areas where treatment is likely to be more effective for patients with liver disease. The Centre for Liver Research has been at the forefront of research into the causes of liver disease for over 15 years. Since 2008 the Centre has been a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit (NIHR Birmingham Liver BRU). The NIHR BRU works in collaboration with scientists, both in the United Kingdom and worldwide, on clinical trials to take research from the laboratory directly to the patient’s bedside as part of new treatment options for patients with liver disease. We also work closely with Pharmaceutical companies to develop new treatments or improve existing ones for these group of patients.

Public involvement in research

The Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Leads work is to ensure that all members of the PPI panel are informed of what it means to be a member:

To attend liver review panel meetings, education and training days.

1. To be an active participant in reviewing patient information sheets and/or trial protocols for clinical trials or research studies.
2. To be involved in the research grant award process by providing lay reviews on grant applications prior to submission.
3. To be involved in the ethical review process by reading and reviewing applications to Research Ethics Committees.
4. To be involved in reviewing research reports and the LIVER FOCUS newsletters.
5. To provide constructive comments for documents or applications passed for review including comments on the amount and quality of information provided.
6. To provide input into the Liver BRU research programmes and to make suggestions how the work we do can be improved.
7. To help establish research priorities by informing the Liver BRU staff of the research issues of importance to a lay audience.
8. To contribute to the follow up, evaluation and monitoring process of research studies or clinical trials.
9.  To abide by the hospital confidentiality and volunteer policies.

She will also make sure that PPI comments are feedback to the researchers and vice versa; keep the panel informed of current events in the research area and update them on any public engagement events the liver team might be doing. The PPI Lead will oversee the progress and development of the panel.

http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/centres/liver/involvement/index.aspx