Here you can find out about some of the ways patients and members of the public are working with health professionals to develop research studies, and opportunities for you to get involved.
South East London Consumer Research Panel for Cancer
The Consumer Research Panel includes cancer survivors, people living with cancer and carers, as well as researchers and research nurses. The panel acts to advise research studies across the BRC, Intergrated Cancer Centre (ICC) and the south east London Cancer Research Network (SELCRN) to ensure that the research focuses on maximising benefits to patients. Activities include helping with the design of studies, reviewing documents and raising awareness about cancer research activities. Download the advert for more information about becoming a member.
Stroke Research Patients and Family Group
Established in 2005, the group brings together researchers with people who have had a stroke and their family members. The group meet every six weeks to consider proposed research studies, develop data collection methods for funded studies and generate new ideas for future research. More details on the activities of the group can be found here.
Patient and carer involvement in transplantation research
The Renal Project Board includes researchers, patients and other health professionals. It's role is to consider new studies in terms of their feasibility, risk and relevance to patients needs. It was established four years ago and has considered over 60 studies so far.
The Kidney Patients Association works closely with the transplantation team, taking part in open days and providing a patient perspective on research topics and ethics. One example was the MRC Transplantation event 'Extending the life of a transplant' which was presented at the British Science Festival in 2010.
Studies requiring patient and carer representatives
We currently have over 350 studies taking place, many of which look for patient and/ or public representatives to join the research teams. If you are interested in finding out more please contact Sophie Auckland, BRC user involvement manager.
Email: Sophie Auckland
Telephone: 020 7188 6333
Getting Involved Training Sessions
Anyone that is interested in getting involved with research activities at the BRC can attend a free one day training session which aims to provide an overview of research processes and terminology and looks in more detail at the role that patients and the public can have in influencing research.These sessions take place four to six times a year. For details on the date of the next session please see the events calendar page.