Background
The academic research group in the Respiratory Medicine Theme have recruited over 500 individuals to clinical trials and observational studies over the last 5 years.
We have found the airway disease community to be extremely helpful with this endeavour.
We wanted to find a way to thank them and also to disseminate the outcome of these trials.
What we did
- We arrange a thank-you evening once a year for anyone who has ever entered any of our studies.
- All research personnel are present, from technicians to nurses to principal investigators.
- We usually hold this in one of the research buildings and provide food and drink.
- Researchers deliver talks about the outcome of trials and our future plans. We present posters from recent research, provide information on emerging treatments and explain existing ones, and include fun educational activities.
- It is a chance for the public to see the advances and discoveries that were made by their participation and the difference this research will make to the wider respiratory community.
What difference did it make
- We have found this event hugely beneficial. It is a very informal event and is a chance for both sides – research staff and the public – to engage with each other and learn.
- The public respond really well to finding out what each trial taught us and are eager to be involved in more trials, so our recruitment rate has improved.
- It provides an invaluable insight into what is most important to the airway disease community, in regards to their condition and how we can work to improve their lives.