Involving patients in the design of studies is crucial to COVID-19 research, report shows

Patient involvement in COVID-19 research is crucial, adds value and is not just ‘a nice to have’, according to a new report by the Health Research Authority.

The report by the regulator shows the high value of involving patients in COVID-19 research both in terms of recruiting patients to trials and retaining them, as well as adding value to the topics being investigated.

The HRA is now calling on more sponsors and funders to play their part with clear and consistent leadership and to insist on patient involvement in their COVID-19 and other health and social care research studies.