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Cardiovascular Network set to unveil patient forum plans this summer
25th June 2024
The Cardiovascular Network of NHS Research Scotland (NRS) will soon be launching a patient forum, encouraging public collaboration while recognising the vital role of diverse voices in shaping its work
The drive for enhanced Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research across Scotland continues to grow and NRS Cardiovascular is aiming to launch its forum plans in July to start seeking participants.
It is encouraging anyone across the country who has been diagnosed and previously involved in studies – into areas such as heart failure, blood pressure, heart defects, heart muscle disease, and surgery – to come forward and get involved.
An initial meeting is earmarked to take place in person in September before the forum is formally rolled out virtually with training provided to patient partners.
Expressions of interest are invited from patients with heart disease and members of the public by emailing Cardiovascular Research Network Manager Mary McAuley from 1 July up to 5 August 2024 to register their interest.
Cardiovascular Network Manager Mary McAuley said: “I attended the recent PPI event at the V&A Dundee, hosted by NRS and the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government, and was accompanied by one of our cardiac transplant patients from the Golden Jubilee Hospital.
“We agreed that the event was a very inspiring showcase for the depth of great work going on in Scotland and the wider journey of PPI in research.
“One of the messages I personally took from it was that there is no one size fits all approach for successful PPI, and we should customise our own approach accordingly.
“With this forum, we’re looking to achieve a broad balance of voices including people of different genders, ethnic diversities, and socio-economic backgrounds.
“It is extremely important that everyone is represented in relevant research and that health inequalities are reduced wherever possible.”
Cardiovascular Clinical Research Champion, Lis Neubeck added: “Ultimately, our aim is to have a beneficial impact on quality of life by ensuring that people who have cardiovascular disease can have the opportunity of knowing about, and participating in, relevant clinical research studies.
“Therefore, we are committed to actively involving patients, those who care for them, and the public in all aspects of the research process, including shaping future research activity.
“PPI undoubtedly helps to improve the quality and relevance of studies thanks to insights from lived experience, alternative views, as well as different aspirations and thoughts about health outcomes.
“These help to ensure cardiovascular studies can be designed and delivered in more effective, collaborative, and cost-effective ways.
“We are hugely committed to PPI and excited by the possibilities of how public enthusiasm for involvement can influence the direction and delivery of our inclusive future ambitions.”
