There are many ways people get involved with NHS research in Cornwall;

1. A healthcare professional may approach you about taking part in a relevant study.
2. We may advertise for people with or without a specific condition, usually on posters in GP surgeries and hospitals.
3. Search by condition on a national database for clinical trial
4. You can also register and choose how you wish to get involved. You could receive our newsletter, hear about local events, share your views on patient documents or work with our research teams on what is best for patients. Register here.
   • Any information we collect about you will be confidential.
   • All information will be held securely on Royal Cornwall Hospital computer servers and only be accessible by NHS Patient & Public Engagement Representative staff.
   • It won’t be shared with external organisations.
5. Become a Research Champion for the Royal Cornwall Hospital

What are Research Champions?

Research Champions volunteer their time to help spread the word about health and care research to patients and the public. They can also help research and healthcare staff understand more about the experiences of those who take part in research.
Research Champions can be anyone; patients, carers, members of the public, people who have taken part in a research study before, as well as those who haven’t. Something that they all have in common is that they are passionate about getting more people involved in research so that we can develop better care and treatment for everyone.

What can Research Champions do?

What you contribute as a Research Champion will be shaped around your interests, skills and time. Some commit to regular activities while others may volunteer as opportunities arise. At the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust we hold monthly meetings that the Research Champions can attend at their convenience.
Research Champions may volunteer to get involved in some of the activities listed below:

• Spread the word to patients and the public about health and care research
• Raise awareness amongst friends and family about research and being a champion for taking part in health and care research amongst people they know
• Help to make patients, public groups find out about local events and initiatives, where they can access information about research and studies they may be able to take part in
• Encourage health care professionals to undertake research
• Take part in local actions to mark International Clinical Trials Day and health awareness days
• Speak to interest or patient groups about health and care research
• Give feedback on research promotion, initiatives and communications and help shape local research studies

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in becoming a Research Champion or finding out more, then please get in touch with our Research Project Manager, Amanda Datson.

Deciding whether to take part in clinical research

• We will review the research set of eligibility criteria that participants must meet, we will give you information about the research and time to consider whether you want to take part.
• You’ll receive an information sheet about the research which will contain the contact details of the research study team so that you can speak to them about any part of the study.
• So that you can decide whether or not to take part, we will make sure you are fully aware of all study procedures and any changes to your standard care or treatment. We will also explain any risks or known potential side effects.
• You do not have to take part and you are free to withdraw at any stage, even after the study has started. Your standard treatment will not be affected if you decide not to take part at any stage.
• For further information and frequently asked questions please visit

Feedback

We are committed to improving the experience for research participants and often conduct participant experience surveys to gain feedback and help us to improve our services.

Patient Support Groups

If you are involved in a patient support group and would like us to come along and give a presentation about research or be available to give information to attendees please contact Amanda Datson via email on a.datson@nhs.net.

For further information and frequently asked questions please visit