What do participants need to do: Take part in group video calls.
How long will it take? Meetings are expected to last between 1-2 hours. Attendance at a minimum of one meeting is required but there is opportunity to participate in a regular monthly meeting.
Will participants get paid? £25 per hour.
Is this for research, policy or services? Services
Who can take part? People in Wales who have given a poo sample or had a colonoscopy, or have cared for someone who has.
Deadline: 16 July
Location: Online
Have you ever given a poo sample or a had colonoscopy? Could you give advice to hospital staff to improve bowel services?
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust would like opinions from people who have never given feedback on research or hospital services before. They would like to talk to people from a range of ethnicities and are also interested in speaking to people with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
About Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust – Colorectal Services
The team specialise in bowel services for East Midlands. Additionally, they work on projects to improve services across the UK and led the UK in using Faecal Immunohistochemical Testing (FIT), a test that finds blood in poo. This test has improved bowel cancer detection. It could also help detect other cancers or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Why do we need you?
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust need to talk to people who use bowel services in Wales so that improvements can be made. This is important because there has been very little research into the use of FIT in Wales and they are currently working on a project to address this. Changes might affect communities, ethnic groups or people with disabilities differently. It is important that they hear from people from diverse backgrounds to understand how changes might affect them.
What will you do?
You will be asked your thoughts on ideas to improve bowel services in the UK. They will explain all information, without medical jargon, and answer any questions you have. Their priority is for you to understand and give your honest feedback.
How will you give feedback?
You will be asked to give your feedback in group video calls using a software called Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams works on both smartphone and computer via a Wi-Fi connection. You can join these calls using a link; you don’t need to download an app if you don’t want to. If needed you can also be provided with a buddy who can help you navigate technical issues. You may be asked for your feedback on some written information by email (or post) and you may be asked to talk about your experience at learning events. All activities are voluntary and you can take part in whichever suit you.
Training
You will be provided with optional training to new patient and public members if you want it. This training will help you understand your role and how patient engagement can transform care. You will meet other people who give feedback to researchers or healthcare services. You will be provided with resources and support to feel confident in your new role. You will also be offered a named member of the team who will act as a buddy to help fix technical issues or answer questions.
Accessibility
The software used for video calls provides live captions (subtitles). Printed materials can be provided in a large font and the team will work with you on any other adjustments you may need.
Reimbursing your time
The time you give is valuable! You will be paid £25 for each hour spent on a meeting, event or providing written feedback. Small contributions to home electric costs for Microsoft Teams meetings will be available. For any in-person events the costs of refreshments and travel will be covered and depending on your access needs and the duration of events there is also the option of providing costs of a carer or childcare.
Interested?
Please get in touch with Elli Fairbairn by 5pm Wednesday 16 July to arrange an informal chat.
Email: Send your name and number to elliann.fairbairn2@nhs.net
Phone: Call the Colorectal Services team 0115 9249924 ext. 86805. Give your name and number and they’ll arrange for Elli to call you back.