Researchers at University of Galway are seeking participants with chronic health conditions for a new project aimed at ensuring the needs and interests of patients and healthcare workers are included in future Irish health research.
A university-based research group which is focused on supporting high quality research in primary care, is asking the public to submit any unanswered questions and comments on how their health conditions are managed.
The group, titled the Health Research Board Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, wants to create a top ten list of research topics to be addressed in the near future.
Network director and Turloughmore-based GP, Professor Andrew Murphy, says the vast bulk of healthcare is provided in primary care, and people manage most of their chronic health needs in their local areas with GPs, practice and community nurses, pharmacists, physios, occupational therapists and other professionals.
“By finding out what is important for people involved in this care, we can support future research to address the issues they care about and bring about real changes,” he said.
The researchers plan to first gather as many submissions as possible from people with chronic conditions, carers, and healthcare professionals. All submissions will be reviewed and sorted, and those identified as unanswered will move forward to be ranked in the next stage of the project.
Lead researcher Laura O’Connor is excited to start this process and take the step towards more collaborative and involved research “using the expertise of many people with chronic conditions, healthcare workers, and other key stakeholders”.
The network encourages anyone with a chronic or ongoing health issue or their family, friends, or carers, or anyone working in primary care, to visit the site and consider leaving a response using the short survey. To submit a question or a comment visit, or to find out more information about the project visit https://primarycaretrials.ie/psp/.
