Your views are helping make NHS research more inclusive
As the Voluntary, Faith, Community and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) lead for this work locally, we were asked to help get more people involved and included in research across Hertfordshire. By listening to your views, we have helped the NHS research programme* understand what might stop people getting involved and how they can encourage more participation.
* Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System (ICS) Research and Engagement Network Development Programme (REND).
Initial Work - What we found
Our role was to ensure the patient voice was heard. Initially, we held detailed one-to-one interviews and asked people about their views on NHS research and how it could be more inclusive. We found:
- Awareness of research opportunities was poor, with respondents calling for greater promotion of opportunities, particularly outside health and care settings
- Practical barriers prevented some people from participating, including employment, financial concerns, travel/location and time commitments
- The accessibility of NHS research was a concern, including issues around language, communication and digital exclusion
- Other important concerns included lack of inclusivity and accessibility within the NHS, especially in relation to cultural sensitivity
- People who did participate emphasised the importance of feedback, so they knew how their views were used and if they made any impact
- Those who participated in NHS research generally had a positive experience and felt they were “giving back” and supporting the greater good
You can read the full findings by downloading the report below.
Follow-up Public Events
In June we held two events to enable the public, professionals and the VCFSE sector to come together to hear about what has been achieved so far and discuss challenges relating to participating in NHS research. We also looked at ways to make NHS research more inclusive.
- Attendees shared valuable and important insights about the barriers they would, or have, faced.
- They also shared exciting and innovative ideas about how the NHS could reach diverse communities and make research more accessible and inclusive.
- Attendees were given the opportunity to stay involved with the programme when it moves into its next phase and become part of a Public Steering Group which will continue this work.
If you’d like to find out more, or would be interested in joining the Public Steering Group please contact us.
info@healthwatchhertfordshire.co.uk
01707 275978
