Public information

Information for the public

Without research, many of the treatments and types of care that we routinely receive today in the NHS would not be available.

High quality research is only possible with the support of members of the public and patients. Without people agreeing to take part in research studies we would not see improvements in treatment and care.

There are many different ways people can take part in health and social care research, including:

receiving a new treatment
answering questionnaires
giving researchers permission to look at your medical notes
giving a blood or urine sample

Research is a routine part of treatment and care in NHS Wales. You can find out about why it's important, how to get involved, what the benefits are and what is involved for people who take part, on the Health and Care Research Wales website.

Public Involvement in Research

Public involvement is where members of the public share their time and personal experiences to help decide what research happens and how it happens. They work with researchers to plan, manage and carry out research.

Involvement can take many forms, it can include:

helping to decide which problems are most important to answer through research
contributing to the writing of patient information sheets
becoming a public contributor on a group running a research study
decision making about which research studies should be funded
assisting with the sharing of research findings
research governance to ensure the quality of research, and for protecting the rights, dignity, safety and wellbeing of those involved. This could be research management, or board representation

For more information on the public involvement community and how to join please visit: What is public involvement in research?

Welsh Blood Service Public Involvement and Engagement Panel

The Welsh Blood Service’s Public Involvement and Engagement Panel engages members of the Welsh public in shaping healthcare and research initiatives. Panel members are invited to provide feedback and suggestions on a range of activities and plans.

Contributions are typically made through online surveys, reviewing materials or participating in virtual workshops, ensuring that public perspectives are integrated into our healthcare and research planning.

For more information or to learn how the Welsh Blood Service Public Involvement and Engagement Panel can support an initiative, please contact the team at WBS.Involve@wales.nhs.uk.

Cancer Research UK

The Cancer Research UK website provides a lot of information on clinical trials including:

types of clinical trials
how to find and join a clinical trial
what you should know before taking part in a clinical trial
what to ask your doctor
how trials are organised and planned

Find out more on the Cancer Research UK website.

Be Part of Research

Be Part of Research is an online service that explains what it might mean to take part in research and what research is currently happening in Wales and the UK.

To find out more visit Be Part of Research.

HealthWise Wales

You can join the HealthWise Wales study if you are aged 16 or over and live in Wales, everyone is invited to join!

HealthWise Wales is a research study aiming to develop better treatments and manage long term health conditions such as heart disease, dementia, diabetes, mental health and cancer. Whether you’re young or old, fit or unwell, by registering online you will be asked to answer simple questions about your health and lifestyle every six months. The information you provide will help the NHS in Wales plan for the future and will protect the health of the nation. This is your opportunity to be part of shaping the health and wellbeing of future generations in Wales.

Answering simple questions about your health and lifestyle will help to protect your health and that of your friends, family, and of the future generations of Wales.