Why is this research question important?
One way we are trying to improve research is to make it more efficient. Efficient research requires less time, less money but most importantly, fewer patients.
One way to achieve this is to design clinical trials which use the information we already know about a treatment. This is done by creating statistical models which can predict how a patient is expected to respond to a certain treatment. Communicating research methodology is a key step in engaging patients in research. At the moment there is often a gap between research methodology and patients understanding of the pros/cons of this.
What are you going to do?
Dr Richard Jackson at the University of Liverpool will present the results of statistical models which predict patient performance (survival) to treatments which has been developed into a website. He will then survey the opinion of patients to understand; a) how accessible the models are b) the impact that these models have on patient wellbeing and c) in what setting, if any, should they be available to patients.
How could the outcomes of this project make a difference to people with pancreatic cancer?
The models have the ability for a patient to understand their personalised potential as opposed to general statistics available on websites. This can have both positive and negative implications to patients quality of life which may change from patient to patient.
Beyond this, the models we present have the opportunity to make pancreatic cancer research more efficient meaning that potential new therapies are evaluated quicker and better targeted towards patients.
How to get involved
Richard is looking to hold a virtual focus group in the Autumn or be able to chat with people with lived experience to explain what the purpose of his project is and to get your views on it. He is also looking for people with lived experience to review the current website design and work with him in the form of a steering committee to develop a version that is suitable for patients and loved ones to access.
No scientific background or prior experience is needed to take part in this opportunity.
Next steps
If you are interested in chatting to Richard to give your opinion on this project, please email Richard Jackson (RichJ23@liverpool.ac.uk) quoting the involvement reference ‘RIN focus group’.
