The Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology (CEBD) Patient Panel: Wider benefits for patient health?

2012 Conference

Abstract: The CEBD Patient Panel was established in 2009 to create a more effective research environment and give support to those involved in CEBD research. The panel comprises 20 active patients and carers affected by a variety of skin disorders. Four panel training events have been held to date with an average of 12 members attending. Subjects covered include the design of clinical trials, Cochrane Systematic Reviews and jargon busting.

We have recently surveyed panel members to establish whether joining has led them to get involved in other activities giving rise to wider benefits for patient health. Over 50% responded, with the main reason for getting involved being ‘wanting to help others in my situation’. 25% had got more involved in research by joining a research project Steering Committee, 25% joined other research panels and 25% other health panels. Almost 50% joined to get more information about their skin condition, with the following quote summing up the feelings of many panel members: “A number of direct benefits for my skin but I actually found it was wonderful to be in a room full of people and – for the first time in my life – not be self-conscious about scratching!”