People-Centred clinical research infographic (long description)

What does people-centred research mean?

Being people-centred means focussing research on what matters most to the people it is for and about. It involves working in partnership with them and thinking about those who should have the opportunity to take part. It also means doing research in ways people say are important when they take part.

Why is it important?

There are ethical and practical reasons why research should be done in more people-centred ways. Research projects can fail when it is not as easy as possible for people to take part, or they only provide answers for some people in society.

For clinical research to truly benefit health and care and make a difference in the real world for everyone, we must make sure people are the focus. Research should be people-centred as well as ethical, legally compliant and conducted with scientific integrity.

What is important to people?

Given the right opportunities many people would choose to take part in research. There are three things that are important to them.

Trust

People trust the research and the research team.

Purpose

People feel the purpose is worthwhile.

Possibility

People find it possible to take part.

What difference does it make?

Doing research in people-centred ways:

creates more opportunities for more people to take part because research is done in ways that help people to take part

makes it better for people who do take part because it is a better experience for people

enhances research design and delivery because more appropriate questions, methods and outcomes are chosen

reduces research waste because the research is less likely to fail

supports better health and care decisions because the research is more relevant to the health care needs of those it is for and about. The research is more likely to have an impact in the real world.

Hallmarks of good, people-centred research

Good people-centred research happens when researchers are asking 'what matters most' and 'how can we work together to achieve it'.

We have co-created nine hallmarks of good practice under three guiding principles.

Treating people well and with respect

Reliable, honest and open

Caring and respectful

Appreciative and thankful

Doing research that is meaningful

Making a difference

Working in partnership

Making it possible for people to take part

Representative and fair

As simple as possible

Giving choices

Using great communication

Resources, information and guidance

Download the hallmarks with more information on how to use them.

Find out more about the group of public contributors and researchers who co-created them.