Involving users in NHS research

2004 Conference

This paper will provide a model for involving users in the NHS research process as a mechanism of improving quality of research. The chosen conference theme will be addressed through discussion of the development and implementation of the model. The issues are:

• Identifying and involving users: The Cardiothoracic Centre ? Liverpool NHS Trust (CTC) has established a Service Users Research Awareness Sub-Group (SURASG) – bringing together service users with an interest in research issues at the CTC.
• Establishing a meaningful role: The group critically review lay summaries and patient information sheets for all research which is proposed at the CTC. It has been agreed that all recommendations made by the SURASG will be accepted by the Trust s research project review group; to the best of our knowledge this is a unique feature of the group at SURASG.
• Enabling involvement – research capacity building: A prerequisite for being a member of the group is to have undertaken a two day workshop in basic principles of research delivered by Health R&D North West, the local DoH support unit.
• Benefits: The initiative has provided clear benefits to the institution, the individual SURASG members and the wider population of NHS users.