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

International Clinical Trials Day 2022

"People Power"

On the 9th June 2022, to mark International Clinical Trials Day, members of the public gathered at Firth Court to join an expert panel of clinicians and researchers from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Sheffield. Discussions focussed on the importance of involving patients and the public in clinical trials and research, and the vital role that they play in the development of treatments and interventions in healthcare.

The panel discussion was hosted by Professor Simon Heller, Director of Research and Development at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Each of the panel gave an introduction on the reason why they value the input of patients into both their own research and more broadly the input of patient and public involvement in shaping health research, from the development of topics and ideas right through to sharing the research findings with those affected by the research. The introductions were followed by a thoughtful discussion with the audience in a lively Question & Answer session, tackling many of the hot topics in how researchers can work together with patients and the public to ensure that health research is meaningful and patient focussed.

The COVID19 pandemic impacted on how researchers could involve members of the public in research with it not being possible to meet people face to face. This has created opportunities for innovative ways to involve the public to ensure that moving forward, health research is fully inclusive and representative. This is crucial in ensuring that healthcare reflects the needs of the people it serves, and reduces health inequalities faced by many communities.

Key Speakers:

  • Professor Adewale Adebajo MBE, Consultant Rheumatologist and Clinical Director at Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Professor in Musculoskeletal Health Service Research, University of Sheffield
  • Dr Sabrina Eltringham, Speech and Language Therapist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Stroke Association Post Graduate Research Fellow, Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Lise Sproson, NHS Innvovations Manager at NIHR Devices for Dignity MTC and Patient and Public Involvement Lead at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

 

Information on national opportunities to be involved in research can be found on the Be Part of Research website here.

Information for patients and the public on how to get in involved in research at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals can be found here.