If investigators wish to seek media coverage while a study involving patients is ongoing, they should make sure they have research ethics approval to do this.

The UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office has put together guidance for researchers on media activity during research involving patients.

The BRC requires investigators with BRC support to let us know with plenty of notice that their research will be published. This information is treated in the strictest confidence but allows the communications team to prepare and maximise coverage as soon as any press embargoes are lifted.

We will ask you for:

• a summary of your research findings

• when and where they will be published

• who the findings are relevant to and why

• which partners and funders you worked with

• your availability around the time of publication to answer any questions from third parties including the media

The NIHR offers additional guidance on dissemination of research.

This includes planned work by third parties, such as research funders and journals. As a condition of funding, the BRC is required to notify the NIHR of all media activity involving our researchers. This is so that the NIHR and Department of Health and Social Care is aware of and can plan for media activity around the research – especially where the research may be sensitive, high-profile or both.

The NIHR monitors our BRC on this requirements, and has been clear that failing to notify them of media work can result in the termination of funding, which in turn puts at risk research across UCLH and UCL which is vital for patients and the public.

Notifying the NIHR of planned work also means the NIHR can support our efforts to gain positive coverage for the research.

If a press release is planned, please let us know at the earliest opportunity, even if you are only able to share a draft. The NIHR ask for 28 days’ notice of planned media work.

For media activity that researchers are involved in at short notice, we ask that researchers let us know as soon as they agree to such media work, so that we can inform the NIHR.

The NIHR requires researchers to acknowledge BRC support in any published papers. See our page on Publishing Research for more information.

The NIHR expects the BRC to be acknowledged in press releases and statements relating to the BRC-supported research.

The NIHR outline on their website the ways in which they expect to be acknowledged in releases.

The BRC communications team is keen to hear about studies that will soon be starting. We are interested in:

• The nature of the treatment being trialled

• The patient population

• The rationale for the trial

• The potential impact of the trial

• How it will be done

• When it is starting

• When it is likely to report

• Which partners are you working alongside to deliver the study

The BRC’s Patient and Public Involvement team can offer advice on dissemination of research findings with patients and patient groups. Points to consider include:

• Consulting patients on how to disseminate research findings

• Developing lay-friendly summaries of research results

• Sharing findings via public channels of communication such as social media

• Working with community-based organisations who can help you reach the communities you want to share results with. These groups may also be able to help with reaching under-served communities

Working either with patients or community groups can help with developing culturally appropriate messaging in the dissemination of your research.

The BRC expects patient and public involvement to be part of the entire research cycle. Patient and public representatives may be able to advise at the outset of research how eventual finds could be communicated to the public.

Contact the BRC PPI team: ppihelpdesk@ucl.ac.uk

Further reading

• The UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research sets out the public involvement responsibilities of research teams.
• HRA guidance on planning and carrying out effective PPI.
• NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination
• NIHR Evidence presents high quality summaries of research findings. 
• Read NIHR standards for public involvement in research.
• NIHR Research Design Service