UK Vascular Research PPIE Registry

"Vascular research isn't usually about white coats and bubbling chemicals in labs. It's about doctors and nurses searching for answers on how to improve vascular health for current and future generations. Taking part in PPI gives us the privilege of impacting that research."

John

PPI Participant

What is Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease is an overall phrase that describes conditions which affect the functioning of the arteries and veins that run through your body.

There are many different sorts of vascular conditions, and they may affect different areas of your body. When blood vessels such as arteries get narrowed or blocked this has the potential to cause life-changing health issues such as limb amputation, stroke, heart conditions, and even death.

Some of the more common conditions, such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) or Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), can impact as many as 20% of people in the UK over the age of 65. Increasing age, diabetes, and smoking tobacco are all significant risk triggers for causing vascular disease.

What is PPIE in Vascular Research?

There are many clinical research studies underway in the UK, all trying to find the best ways to treat vascular conditions and to improve the quality of life of those impacted by vascular disease.

Whenever research studies are being designed it is essential that patients and members of the public are offered the best opportunities to provide their opinions and share their lived experiences of healthcare. This means that the studies can and will be designed to include and reflect those experiences.

It is also very important that studies are advised upon by patients and members of the public while they are taking place. This ensures that the voices and views of patients and the public remain central to the research.

How can you help?

Your lived experience and a willingness to share your opinions are all you need to take part in PPIE. You might be asked to offer your thoughts about:

• Applications for research funding

• Research design

• How research is carried out

• Information for patients who are being invited to take part in research

• How research results are best shared with members of the public and other patients

You may be invited to take part in group discussions taking place online or in person, or you might be asked to give your feedback by phone or by email,

You can take part as much or as little as you want, and in whatever ways work best for you.