I have participated as a public contributor to health care research studies in the north east since 2017. This was the early days of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in this region. I listened to researchers and used my life experiences to respond to their project proposals and public and patient facing documentation. I have also commented on the scope of their research ideas.

Having worked for several years in the health research sector, I wanted a closer appreciation of the ways in which health research can be carried out. I also wanted to learn the way in which it can respond to individual and community focussed needs. Working with the Health Technology Research Centre (HRC) ticks these boxes for me!

I have had the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and understanding of the part that non-invasive diagnostic tools can and do play in developing and improving therapeutic pathways. Employing an easily administered and sensitive test when a condition is first presented or suspected can greatly improve a patient’s overall health care experience. To be part of the discussions that take place about new tests or how a test should be used to best effect is really interesting – it gives me a buzz!