Written by Samantha Cruz Rivera
During the event ‘Research changes lives’ I presented an overview of the work carried out at the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research (CPROR), specifically the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical trials and research. We presented three different activities:
- a quality of life tree, on which people could write down what quality of life meant to them;
- using daily living activities, people then had the opportunity to vote on which one was the most important to them;
- the LEGO pain assessment tool, here we asked children to show how they were feeling on the day using LEGO faces.
This engagement activity gave the public the opportunity to share their own health experiences and better understand the importance of PRO data. The public provided some feedback and indicated that these activities made them reflect on the meaning of quality of life and what is important to them in terms of health. Furthermore, they indicated that they are more likely to complete a PRO questionnaire in the future.
In addition, the activity gave me the opportunity to better understand what really matters to people and the ability to explain PRO research in a simple way. Also, it helped me develop communication, leadership and project management skills, self-confidence and creativity. I always thought my project was too theoretical and I would be impossible to find an exciting and fun way to talk about it to children and adults.
This engagement activity was carried out with the help of an award granted by the University’s Public Engagement Fund. I would encourage all the PGR students to have a look at this funding opportunity and get involved in public engagement activities as they give you the opportunity to develop further skills, networking and even learn more about your own project.
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