Patient involvement increases public confidence in health research

An Ipsos MORI survey of 1,295 British adults has shown that public confidence in health research studies can be increased by knowing that patients have advised on the design of the study.

Patient and public involvement in research has long been considered as an important element in ensuring more robust study designs, minimising dropout rates and leading to more meaningful patient outcomes. Health researchers are often encouraged to involve patients and the public in the design of their studies, but some researchers may not have understood this. They therefore may not have consistently communicated the benefits to potential participants in the recruitment process.

The survey, commissioned by the Health Research Authority, showed that 77 percent of adults surveyed said that if they were made aware that a Research Ethics Committee had reviewed a health research study it would increase their confidence in the study.

In addition, 44 percent of respondents thought that involving patients to ensure that the information given to participants was easily understandable and meaningful would increase their confidence in the study, and a further 49 percent were not sure either way, with very few thinking it would reduce their confidence.

This suggests that, if health researchers communicate the fact that patients and the public have been involved in the design of their research when approaching potential study participants, it might help to boost recruitment. It also shows the importance of building awareness of the benefits of patient and public involvement in health research.

For further information on the survey visit www.hra.nhs.uk/patients-and-the-public-2/how-the-hra-works-with-patients-and-the-public/what-patients-and-the-public-think-about-health-research.