User and carer involvement will continue to be an essential part of Keele ’ s research . The pandemic has resulted in changes to how we engage with members of the public : moving from face-to-face meetings in University meeting rooms , to online virtual meetings on video conferencing platforms . This has largely been a successful transition and future user and carer involvement activities will likely see further remote and digital involvement , in line with NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination priorities .
However , to ensure that we are truly inclusive and achieve involvement from a diverse range of communities who suffer the widest health inequalities in our region , a future of different approaches and models of engagement is needed . We need to be innovative in who and how we engage users and carers , and embrace more creative , accessible and interactive forms of engagement , learning from colleagues across the University and the local community .
Our existing work , especially through the
Keele Deal | Health initiative , recognises the importance of having patient and public involvement and engagement at the heart of its vision and activity . The geographical outline of reach for Keele Deal | Health in the North West Midlands is reflected in the membership and engagement of patients and the public from across a broad range of organisations working in partnership with Keele University . Our future activities will build on engagement activities with patient groups and community stakeholder that took place in early 2021 . These have helped shape the priorities for local work and identify the key areas to work on within the service transformation workstream of the initiative . Supported by the Faculty User and Carer Liaison Group , and School Communities of Practice and user and carer groups , the voices of users and carers will continue to be represented at every step of Keele Deal | Health . This will provide the opportunity for users and carers to be fully involved in local priorities and share the patient voice and experience with others .
“… participating in a number of interesting studies has provided much needed mental stimulation , provided a focus and motivation and personal contact …”
( Feedback from a Research User Group Member )
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