Record number of participants share their experience of taking part in research

A report published by the NIHR South West Central Regional Research Delivery Network (SWC RRDN) has shown that a record number of participants in the region shared their experiences of taking part in research.

From the beginning of April 2023 until the end of March 2024, 6,209 people completed a survey about their experience of taking part in research. This is a 137% increase on the number of responses received in 2022-23. A large number of these responses came from Children of the 90s, a large birth cohort study based in Bristol.

Participant feedback is really important in improving research delivery and ensuring the best possible experience is being provided. As in previous years, responses to the survey showed that the majority of participants had a positive experience of taking part in research.

• 91% of respondents to the adult survey (excluding Children of the 90s) said they would consider taking part in research again
• 98% of Children of the 90s respondents said they would consider taking part in research again
• 90% of respondents to the children and young people survey also said they would consider their child taking part in research again

In addition to the positive comments, 17% of respondents left feedback about what could have made their research experience better. These comments will be used to form projects which aim to improve the participant experience, in partnership with research champions and research delivery staff.

Professor Kyla Thomas, Network Director for the NIHR SWC RRDN said:

“It’s always so wonderful to see the positive responses received through the Participant in Research Experience Survey. Once again, the feedback has shown the importance of research delivery staff in ensuring participants have a positive experience. A huge thank you to everyone working in research for continuing to provide such fantastic compassionate care to those taking part in studies.

“We have implemented a number of new initiatives based on the feedback we have received through the survey in previous years. As we always strive to do better, we will be sharing and reflecting on the themes that have been identified this year and working with our colleagues to look at how we can improve further.”

Read the full report.

This report is the analysis of responses received in 2023-24, during this period the survey was delivered by the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN). The NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) replaced the CRN on 1 October 2024.