ARC Themes
Resource Stage
Status
Health Category
Why the research is needed
People living with multiple long-term health conditions (MLTC) often do not receive research findings in ways that are accessible or useful to them. Research about preventing these conditions is usually shared in academic formats, which may not reach or engage the public or patients effectively. This project aims to find better ways to share important research findings with those who need them most.
What is already known about the subject
Previous research has looked at how health information is shared, but most of it focuses on single diseases or general healthcare. There is little information about how research on preventing multiple long-term conditions is shared with the public or how patients and the public are involved in this process.
Who we are working with
We will establish a patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group with up to eight members from different backgrounds, all of whom have experience living with multiple long-term conditions. Our team also includes researchers and a community engagement lead from the Centre for Ethnic Health Research to make sure a range of views are included.
How are patients and the public involved
Patients and the public are involved in every step of this project. They help plan the research, decide how we search for information, review what we find, and help create a new way to share research findings. Their feedback will shape the final recommendations.
What we will do
We will review existing studies and reports to learn how patients and the public are currently involved in sharing research about preventing multiple long-term conditions. We will use this information to create a practical guide, together with our patient and public group, to help researchers share their findings in ways that are more useful and accessible.
What the benefits will be
This research will make it easier for patients and the public to understand and use information about preventing multiple long-term conditions. It will also help researchers learn the best ways to share their findings with the people who need them. This could lead to better health outcomes and more people getting involved in research.
When the findings will be available
We expect to finish the review and share our findings by March 2026. We will also share updates with our patient and public group throughout the project.
How we are planning for implementation
We will work with our patient and public group to make sure our recommendations are practical and relevant. We plan to share our findings widely, including through social media, community events, and easy-to-read summaries. Our goal is to help researchers, healthcare providers, and communities use these new ways of sharing research to make a real difference.
Contact
Shabana Cassambai, Sc833@leicester.ac.uk.