New service makes it easier than ever to be part of research
The National Institute for Health Research have just launched their 'Be Part of Research' campaign.
Research changes lives. It is through research that we can develop better treatments, as well as improve diagnosis, prevention, care and quality of life for everyone.
But this vital research is only possible thanks to hundreds of thousands of people who take part in research every year. These people help change lives and improve healthcare for us all.
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is determined to make it as easy as possible for the public to find out about research happening across the UK and enable them to take part. That's why they've re-launched the Be Part of Research study search site. Designed for the public, it makes information about research available to anyone who wants it and aims to help even more people volunteer to take part in research.The website also acts as a simple tool that busy clinicians and healthcare professionals can use to support patients who ask about research. In this way, it enables them to fulfil the pledge in the NHS constitution to inform patients about research opportunities, which give people the opportunity to access the best care and latest treatments.
HealthWise Wales are proud to support this initiative and named as one of the key initiatives you can register with to increase participation in research.
Building on strong foundations
The website builds on the success of the UK Clinical Trials Gateway (UKCTG), which has been operating for a number of years. The site has a simplified navigation, improved search and filtering facility, and the ability to feedback on the usefulness of study information. It's also designed from mobile-first principles meaning that you can find a research study wherever you are, perhaps in a waiting room or simply looking for research opportunities while on the go.
For the public, by the public
As a site designed for the public, the redevelopment project has sought input from members of the public throughout the process to help ensure the service will be as useful as possible, and meet the needs of the people using it. Hundreds of people gave their feedback at different stages before and during development.
Public user tester for the site, Lynn Laidlaw said:
"Be Part of Research website helps break down the barriers between people wanting to participate in research and people conducting research. I have a long term medical condition, research is very important to me because it gives me hope. The work of the NIHR means I can access the latest research opportunities, to benefit myself and potentially help others wherever I am in the UK."
Helping the future of the NHS
Be Part of Research is a service that makes it easy for the public to find and take part in Health and social care research for any condition. Anyone can search for ethically-approved studies and ask to take part. These are studies for people who live with a condition as well as those who do not. The service also brings together the latest research findings from reliable sources.
We are pleased to be a part of the NIHR's list of research services and would like to invite you to take part in NIHR's questionnaires and help make a better NHS for the future.
