Patient involvement ‘increases public confidence’ in research
pharmafile | November 25, 2013 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | hra, mori, public, rec, research
A new study has shown that public confidence in health research studies can be increased by knowing that patients have advised on the design of the study.
This is according to an Ipsos MORI survey of 1,295 British adults which showed that 44% of respondents thought that involving patients to ensure that the information given to participants was easy to understand, would increase their confidence in the study.
Commissioned by the Health Research Authority (HRA), the survey also showed that a further 49% were not sure either way – with very few thinking it would reduce their confidence.
Patient and public involvement in research has long been considered an important element in ensuring more robust study designs, minimising dropout rates and leading to more meaningful patient outcomes.
Health researchers are often encouraged to involve patients and the public in the design of their studies, but not all researchers appreciate the benefits that involvement can bring.
The HRA says that this suggests that recruitment to studies ‘may be boosted’ if health researchers communicate the fact that patients and the public have helped design their work when they approach potential participants.
Simon Denegri, director of INVOLVE – a national advisory group that wants greater public involvement in research – said: “The HRA survey is significant in pointing to the fact that potential participants in research draw encouragement from knowing their fellow citizens have been involved in its design.
“It adds to the growing body of evidence showing public involvement adds value to research. The essential message to funders is that if they make the effort to enlist the help of patients and the public, they will see returns in the quality of their research as well as in the effectiveness and efficiency of its delivery.”
The survey also showed that 77% of adults said that if they were made aware that a Research Ethics Committee (REC) had reviewed a health research study, it would increase their confidence in it. Members of the public make up around one third of REC members.
Ben Adams
Related Content
Drug discovery and development partnership announced between Apollo Therapeutics and Oxford University
Portfolio therapeutics company Apollo Therapeutics has announced earlier this week that it will provide capital …
Bayer and Aignostics to collaborate for AI oncology research
Bayer and Aignostics have announced that they have entered into a strategic collaboration for several …
BMS shares new research and development plans at the company’s R&D day
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) recently held a Research and Development (R&D) Day in New York, …
