A key takeaway was from our Research Advisors who highlighted an opportunity to enhance the involvement experience. Our advisors fed back that they would like to receive feedback on their input, including their role and the study outcomes. Spokespersons at the event were eager to learn whether their input made an impact.
My hope is that my very small contribution as an Advisor is like dropping a stone into a pool of research. The resulting ripples may combine with those from other people’s dropped stones of contribution and lead to developments that will include helping family members that are patients or those we know.
Stephen Archer, BRC Advisor
The comprehensive agenda for the day included many passionate advocates of PPIE and opportunities for discussion. Carol Bronze suggested a shift in the dynamic between doctors and patients, emphasising the need to recognise patients as experts in their lived experiences. Rupert Bourne provided an NIHR James Lind Alliance vision priorities update, ensuring the research agenda is of high clinical relevance. Prof. Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi’s presentation highlighted her important work to ensure that underserved communities are represented in research, which addresses our mission ‘equity through innovation’.
We also heard from the following projects about their PPIE:
Hercules: Dr Angus Ramsay
Eye2Gene: Dr William Woof
Bio Resource: Sam Malka
Ci2i Project: Jacq Miller
BRC PPIE Award Winner ‘Eyes On Research’ Podcast: Dr Thales A. C. de Guimarães
A poll was taken of the audience finding that 20% were involved in research, suggesting that this day educated and informed a new audience of the value of being part of our research community. To end on a positive note, the BRC have come away with an abundance of event suggestions and look forward to making more connections in the future.
