A survey of more than 35,000 research participants found that 91% of adults and 89% of children and young people would consider taking part in another research study.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) runs the Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES) annually. The data collected helps the NIHR put participant experience at the heart of research delivery. It is used to improve accessibility and help recruitment and retention to studies.
A total of 35,519 participants completed the latest NIHR PRES in 2023/24. This includes 1,860 children and young people aged 0-15.
“I felt that I could raise any questions or concerns and not be thought of negatively. In all honesty, the team has made this whole experience fantastic and even enjoyable.”
- Adult survey respondent
Other key findings from the 2023/24 survey include:
- 92% of adults and 91% of young people felt their contribution to research studies was valued by researchers
- 93% of adults and 95% of children and young people agreed they were given clear information at the start of the research study
- 95% of adults and 94% of children and young people felt that they were treated with kindness and respect
Kim, of Cambridgeshire, said she was “over the moon” to be part of a trial after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The mother-of-two took part in the PARABLE trial, comparing proton beam therapy with standard radiotherapy for breast cancer patients. Proton beam therapy uses charged particles instead of x-rays to target tumours more precisely. Researchers hope this method will reduce the risk of long-term heart problems following treatment.
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Kim received proton beam therapy at The Christie in Manchester. Treatment took place over the course of three weeks, with fifteen sessions, each lasting approximately 45 minutes.
The PARABLE trial is funded by a Medical Research Council (MRC) and NIHR partnership. It is being led by researchers at The University of Cambridge, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
She said: “All the treatment I have had so far would have been in a trial at some point, so I’m just grateful to all those people who have taken part in research over the years to help find the best treatments.
“I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to take part in the trial and pleased with all the treatment that I’ve had to date. I’m looking forward to the future and I’m feeling pretty optimistic about everything.”
For more information about the Participant in Research Experience Survey, visit the NIHR website.
How you can get involved with research
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And if taking part in a study doesn’t feel right at the moment there are other ways to get involved in research.
