My experience of taking part in research has been extremely positive. I can’t speak highly enough about the research nurses and other medical staff for the support and care they have provided over the past few years.
I would recommend taking part in clinical trials and other research opportunities to patients who might be offered one. Not only does participation contribute to improving treatments and outcomes for future patients, but it also resulted in a well-supported patient journey for me.
I am now a member of a Public and Patient Involvement group, offering advice to clinicians who are developing research proposals. This provides me with an opportunity to share and apply my experience as a patient to funding bids for research programmes. I am also part of the Research Champions Group, another group made up of patients and others who want to highlight and promote participation in research among staff and patients at UHCW.
I hope my story explains why participating in research was important to me, how research helps improve treatment and outcomes for future patients and most importantly, that being part of a clinical trial will never have a negative impact on your treatment or the eventual outcome from it.