People and Research South West is a collaborative initiative to support researchers to involve the public in health and social care research, and to support the public in getting involved. We are a partnership of NHS organisations, the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol.
What do we mean by involvement in research?
By involvement we mean an active partnership between the public and researchers in the research process, not simply people being the subjects of research. There are a variety of ways that people can be involved, for example, helping researchers ask the right question, helping design the studies or contributing to carrying out the research.
How can we help people get involved in research?
We are developing a range of activities and resources to support public involvement in research. These include:
· Regular networking events where members of the public and researchers can share their experiences of good practice in involvement and help each other overcome any barriers for involvement.
· Training events for members of the public on skills and knowledge to help them be able to contribute effectively to research, and for researchers on how best to involve the public in meaningful ways.
· A database of local examples of good practice so people can learn from each other what has worked practically.
· Help with finding and sharing examples of policies and procedures, so that researchers don’t have to reinvent the wheel, for example, policies on confidentiality, induction or payment of members of the public.
· Signposting for researchers on how to make contact with relevant community and service user groups, and for members of the public on how to find out what research is going on in their areas of interest.
For further information
Contact Catrin Richards, Public Involvement in Research Co-ordinator
Telephone: 0117 328 8809 (24 hour ansaphone)
A wide range of useful resources are also available through INVOLVE, the NIHR National Advisory Group:
www.invo.org.uk