Developing PPI in liver disease in a NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with the Biomedical Research Unit (BRU)

2012 Conference

Abstract: Liver disease is now the fifth commonest cause of death in the United Kingdom (BASL & BSG 2009) and it is associated with significant morbidity. It is important that research incorporates education, raising awareness, prevention, detection, intervention and management into its strategic plans. This can be facilitated by incorporating PPI to optimise delivery in liver clinical trials.

An education day was arranged and prospective volunteers underwent a half-day induction. After successful completion of this process PPI members reviewed and provided constructive comments for two patient information sheets. PPI members contributed to an educational newsletter, ‘Liver FOCUS’ in November which has since been widely distributed. A PPI member also sits on the steering committee for the BRU. PPI members and liver scientists will also be raising awareness about liver disease at the Think Tank Science Museum in Birmingham in October 2012. We hope to disseminate information about the role of PPI, educate and raise the profile of liver disease and its importance in liver research. We aim to continue engaging and consulting a range of public, patient and healthcare audiences about the work of the BRU through showcase events, lectures, workshops, education days and leaflets. Several PPI members are keen to educate children about the dangers of alcohol, misuse of drugs and an unhealthy diet. Making this link and collaborating with the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation will be a worthy goal.