Why we do research
We do research “because that’s how you get better treatment” – in other words, to further knowledge about the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human illness. We want to be able to offer every East Kent patient the opportunity to participate in a research study, if that is their wish. You can find out more on our Patient Stories page.
Different ways to get involved or volunteer (as a patient, carer or member of public)
If you have taken part in our research you can help us by telling us about your experience so that we can find how we are doing and whether we can make any improvements. You can do this by completing this online survey: East Kent Patient Research Experience Survey. If you would rather complete a paper copy, please let us know.
You can get more involved by joining us an East Kent ‘Research Friend’ (further details below).
Further information, including opportunities to get involved is available on the following websites:
Join as a Research Friend
You may be interested in volunteering to become an East Kent ‘Research Friend’. This means we may contact you occasionally to keep you informed of any future news and events that may be of interest to you. We can also let you know of some work we are doing which may benefit from input from our patients and/or the local public with which you may be able to help us. This could mean simply staying in touch with our news, attending local events, helping us to raise awareness or even helping to actually design or deliver research.
Joining us as a ‘Research Friend’ is completely voluntary, confidential and without obligation. If you are interested in helping, please download and complete the application form (below) or contact us on 01227 783169.
Download the Research Friends Application Form
How to find a study
If you are looking for a study within a particular disease area, you can contact our research teams to find out which studies we are currently recruiting to in East Kent here. Alternatively, you use the Clinical Trials Gateway to search for specific studies that are recruiting in this area: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/
Events
Various Research & Innovation meetings & events take place throughout the year which you may be interested in attending or taking part in. See our latest news and events here.
