A message from Professor Kalra about becoming a Patient Research Ambassador
The Comprehensive Research Network (CRN) is trying to encourage people to sign up to be patient research ambassadors in Greater Manchester. The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) is committed to raising awareness, involving more people in research, and ensuring research is designed and delivered with patients and the public in mind. The Patient Research Ambassador Initiative (PRAI) aims to help build a cohort of patients who can help underpin this Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) work.
As you know well, many patients, carers and members of the public are already doing excellent work in the healthcare research community and may not recognise themselves as ‘Patient Research Ambassadors’, and in some cases, the Patient Research Ambassador role might be an extension or natural development of what they are already doing under a different name? This is not meant to replace any current research role they are in but to offer them support and guidance on practical aspects of involvement.
The Greater Manchester CRN are trying to build up their cohort of patients who can underpin this PPI work and have revamped and improved the area on the website with guidance documents and a useful ‘Learn Zone’
If you’re interested in becoming a Patient Research Ambassador, then please contact Janet Eastwood via janet.eastwood@cmft.nhs.uk
