Patients in trials praise UCLH research teams

People taking part in research at UCLH feel valued and have a positive experience while on a study, according to results of a national survey.

Results of the Patient Research Experience Survey (PRES) from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for 2021/22 – an annual survey of people who have taken part in clinical studies – found:

  • 96% of research participants said they were treated with courtesy and respect by research staff
  • 92% said they felt that researchers valued their participation in research
  • 93% said the information they received before taking part in research prepared them for their experience while on a study.

7 out of 10 people said they would consider taking part in research again – with a further 2 in 10 saying it was too early to say.

229 people at UCLH took part in the survey which was offered to participants in areas including cancer, neurological diseases, Covid-19 and women’s health, with many patients participating in studies run at the NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility (CRF).

For three-quarters of people surveyed, it was the first time they had taken part in research.

Comments from people surveyed about research teams at UCLH included:

  • “Staff contact was warm and professional.”
  • “Nowadays my memory is very poor, but I have always been treated in a friendly and cheerful way by your staff, with plenty of tea!”
  • “The care and professionalism of everyone I dealt with and their friendliness.”
  • “Very professional, thorough and organised.”
  • “Very professional and helpful staff.”

UCLH and the NIHR use results from the annual survey to ensure patients have the best possible experience while taking part in research.

The UCLH Research Directorate encourages all research teams to routinely offer participants the chance to take part in the survey.

To take part in PRES for your study, contact ppie.crnnorththames@nihr.ac.uk.