Public contributor spotlight: John’s take

At the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Birmingham, we work with patient and public contributors across a range of health conditions. But who are they, and what is it like to get involved in research as a member of the public? To find out, read this piece authored by our public contributor, John Rose.

Hello!

My name is John Rose. I am 82 years young and I live in Handsworth with my wife, my grown-up daughter and our dog. 

By trade, I was a chemistry teacher for 25 years in Pakistan, Birmingham, Brunei and Sutton Coldfield and then became a recycling officer in the Waste Management department of Birmingham City Council.

My present known health conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a transient ischaemic attack – often called a “mini-stroke”. Fortunately, the only permanent outcome from this is some weakness in my right hand, sadly insufficient to get me off housework.

Twenty years of supporting research

I have been involved in clinical and psychological research for the past 20 years, after being encouraged by a neighbour to join the University of Birmingham’s 1000 Elders project.

Much of my involvement started as a research participant. Over the years, I have contributed to a wide range of studies, providing samples, taking part in assessments and undergoing investigations including MRI scans and other imaging techniques.

With a science degree and a lifelong interest in learning, I have always enjoyed helping researchers advance scientific knowledge. To this end, I am also a participant in UK Biobank and Our Future Health, which has given me even more opportunities to contribute to research.

I have always enjoyed helping researchers advance scientific knowledge.

Discovering patient and public involvement

More recently, I have also become involved in patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE), which has allowed me to contribute to research in a different way. Rather than taking part in studies, I help researchers think about how research is designed, communicated and experienced by the people it is intended to benefit.

I particularly enjoy reviewing the so called ‘plain English’ summaries that accompany research applications and reports. My focus is often on whether information is genuinely easy to understand for someone without a research background.

I am particularly keen on reducing the use of unexplained acronyms and technical language. Researchers often work with terms that become second nature to them, but they can be confusing for those reading about research for the first time.

Helping improve research

Another activity I’ve enjoyed has been in the design, testing and analysis of surveys and questionnaires used to understand patients’ experiences and outcomes.

I find it rewarding to know that my perspective can help make research more accessible, relevant and meaningful for patients and the public.

I look forward to continuing this work and to opportunities to become involved in new areas of research, including oral and dental health research.

I would encourage anyone who is interested to consider getting involved in research. There are many different opportunities available. Some are face-to-face, others online through Teams or Zoom, some are hybrid. In some cases, contributors may also be reimbursed for their time and expenses – and physical meetings often include food!

Are you also interested in getting involved in research? Explore how you can join our community of public contributors.