The best thing about getting involved is
"For me, this is a really positive way to put some of my
experience back into the health system."
"Getting to grips with what is happening at the sharp end of
treatments and how that affects patient outcomes. Future patient
events beyond just drug and other forms of treatment are always
needing measurement, to make sure that cancer sufferers and their
families receive and improved service. Being part of the process is
essential, to make sure that the service user and the attitudes to
patients/carers are part of the process, by being part of the
process."
"To have the opportunity of contributing to decisions that one
hopes will lead to new developments in health care. The
enthusiasm and commitment of the researchers and CSO staff is
amazing and infectious. Chairmen of committees I have been
involved with have welcomed me and encouraged me to contribute to
discussion and debate. Involvement is both challenging and
stimulating."
"The feeling of being actively engaged in helping to push the
barriers back, being needed, valued, having some worth, building
self-esteem. All the things that were knocked down by
suffering the strokes."
"I find the work most interesting and varied. I value the
opportunity to contribute to something I feel most important, good
research being fundamental to the development of good health
care."
“Being part of a multi-disciplinary professional team and
feeling that your little lay contribution is worthwhile.”
“The terrific intellectual stimulation. The challenge of
making a useful contribution can sometimes look a bit daunting,
especially if, like me, you're a non-scientist. But being part of
team that is developing a worthwhile project, and that regards your
input as valuable, is a great feeling. And I've learnt an
incredible amount.”
“I can think of no single best thing about getting involved in
medical research. However I have become more aware of the critical
importance of good quality research to health care. In addition I
have been greatly impressed with the enthusiasm and ingenuity of
many members of the research community. I enjoy meeting new people
and the intellectual challenges associated with my role as a lay
member on various research related groups.”
“Feeling that some good may come of me having breast
cancer.”
