Public Involvement
The REAL Supply Research Unit is committed to designing and delivering its seven year research programme with the general public to ensure the unique priorities and challenges faced by different communities influence the work of
the Unit.
By working together with individuals, groups and communities across the health and care system, we will maximise the relevance, reach and impact of our research leading to a fairer health and social care service sensitive to the evolving needs of the population.
Ultimately every taxpayer in the UK will be impacted by health and social care policy and decision making, and it is therefore vital for the long-term sustainability of the NHS and social care sectors that the diverse needs, preferences and concerns of the population are heard and addressed.
We believe in collaboration to ensure our research reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of those affected by health and care policy decisions. Public involvement means you – the community, patients, and anyone with a stake in health and care – actively shaping our research from start to finish. We aim to conduct research that will be relevant and impactful to everyone, with a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. We aim to involve people in research design and delivery, using a range of involvement methods such as public consultations, dialogues and collaborative practices. We aim to deliver research that resonates and makes a meaningful impact on health and care policies and practices. If you are interested in supporting our work, please get in touch using the form below.
The Unit's approach will focus on:
Understanding diverse needs - different communities may have unique experiences of health and care provision and public and community involvement provides an opportunity to understand these.
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Building trust - involvement fosters trust between researchers, policy makers and communities. When communities are involved in decision-making processes and research initiatives, they are more likely to trust and actively participate in health and care policy.
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Improving research relevance and impact - involving the public will help in identifying research questions, ensuring that the work of the Unit is relevant, addresses real-world problems, leading to more meaningful and impactful research outcomes
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Enhancing accessibility - public involvement will support the Unit in understanding barriers to health and care supply, whilst ensuring the Unit’s research activities and outputs are available, understandable, and usable by a broad and diverse audience
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Promoting research and health literacy - informed communities are better equipped to take an active role in their health and care, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced health and care costs
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Community empowerment - involving communities in research and decision-making empowers them to be active participants in their own health and care, meaning they are more likely to contribute positively to the overall success of health and care initiatives
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Fostering innovation - community involvement can uncover innovative solutions and strategies to health and care challenges that may not otherwise be apparent to researchers or health care decision makers
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Social accountability - involving the public will hold the Unit and wider health and care organisations and decision makers accountable to the communities they serve. It will ensure that decisions and policies are transparent, responsive, and aligned with the interests of the public.