Clinical Research Office. A partnership between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield

 

How to get involved 

Providing the public with opportunites to be involved in clinical research is central to all our research.

We have a number of established public involvement panels who provide our researchers with invaluable insights into how specific research studies should be designed, and which areas of research would benefit from research, as well as to further improve health and healthcare. The majority of panels are currently meeting virtually. Opportunities for the public to get involved in research are continually expanding, and we want to make opportunities to be involved accessible for everyone:

  • In 2018 a new public involvement panel was established for stroke research involving stroke survivors and carers
  • A musculoskeletal panel started in 2019
  • For people who are unable to attend face to face meetings, or prefer to comment on research remotely via email, we have an Online Advisory Panel
  • The Community Elders Panel exists so that the voice of the frail elderly is heard

 

The public involvement panels we have are on the left panel menu. You can also find out about the groups and panels aligned with the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and their themes here.

How can I get involved?

You are welcome to come and observe a panel meeting to see what it is all about.  If you are interested in joining a panel, or observing a meeting, please contact us at sth.getinvolved@nhs.net or call on 0114 271 3260 where Katie, Lucy or Dan will talk you through the options.

Do I need to have experience in research to get involved?

Your opinion is what matters!  Enthusiasm, interest, and a willingness to take part in discussions with researchers, patients and members of the public are all you need.

You do not need any qualifications, or previous experience to take part. We offer training in research, and ongoing support.

Cardiovascular Panel Coordinator 

No particular experience is necessary to become a member, many have no medical experience whatsoever, others have some science background, a few have experience in the NHS. What they share is experience of some kind of heart problems and an interest in developing better solutions for future patients

What do the panels do?

  • Discuss research projects to ensure that the priorities of patients and carers are considered
  • Help identify areas which are a priority for research
  • Help develop or advise on participant information documents
  • Advise on the best ways to recruit participants into specific trials
  • Advise on how, and where, to share the results of research studies and help disseminate the findings

 

There are also many other aspects of research that the panels are involved with, so please visit the specific panel pages on the left hand menu to find out more about what each do.

Periodically, there are also opportunities to get involved with the work of the Clinical Research & Innovation Office, such as with developing the Public Involvement Newsletter or with developing and delivering training to people who are new to public involvement.


If you would like to discuss anything with us, or have any questions about getting involved, we'd be happy to discuss this with you. Please contact us at sth.getinvolved@nhs.net or telephone us on 0114 271 3260.

A full list of public involvement panels supported by Clinical Research & Innovation Office are on the left panel menu

Across the Care Group panel for the Combined Community & Acute Care Group