What difference does involvement make?

"No matter how complicated the research, or how brilliant the researcher, patients and the public always offer unique, invaluable insights" 

Sometimes, just by being there you can help different professionals work better together.  For example, having to use plain language can help them understand each other better too. Research can be very complex but it is often the apparently simple question or comment from the service user or carer that may be the key to resolving a whole problem.

"when you have decided to follow a particular line of interest, try and understand who the influencers are in the field that you want to support.  Be flexible and be prepared to get involved in some initiatives and say no to others - based on your own passions and focus.........Above all -keep in touch with those directly affected by the relevant disease or illness........... never offer excuses for your 'ignorance'.  It seems to me that often the most apparently naive question could well get to the heart of an issue that others have not picked up on"  Lester Firkins

Page last edited: 25 November 2011