Research involvement and engagement
The cancer research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre (CTC) patient engagement day 2025 - celebrating patient involvement and engagement in clinical research
By Shorrocks H, Hava N, Keat N and 4 others.
Abstract
Background
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) is essential to high-quality cancer research, ensuring that studies reflect patient and public priorities and lived experience. In summer 2025, the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and UCL Cancer Trials Centre (CTC) hosted a Patient Engagement Day, building on a similar event held in 2023. The aims were to educate PPIE representatives about opportunities for involvement in cancer clinical trials and to expand the pool of patient partners contributing to CTC research.
Methods
The event was co-designed with PPIE representatives and the programme included presentations, patient-led talks, panel discussions, case studies, workshops and networking. Content was shaped by feedback from the 2023 event and consultation with current PPIE partners. Invitations were widely distributed through research, charity and community networks to encourage attendance from both new and experienced PPIE representatives. Three parallel workshops focused on training and support needs for PPIE partners, inclusive recruitment of patients to clinical trials, and communication with trial participants. Metrics and outputs: Ninety-nine PPIE representatives and healthcare professionals registered for the event and 78 attended, including 53 PPIE representatives, representing an increase in patient participation compared with 2023. Attendees reflected a broad range of PPIE experience, from novice (limited experience of PPIE activities in research, self-evaluated) to expert (involved in PPIE activities for more than 5 years, self-evaluated), supporting peer learning and networking. Post-event feedback was completed by 46 attendees (59%). All respondents agreed that the event met its aims, and most found it useful for networking, with 98% stating they would attend a similar event again. Contact was made with approximately 30 new patient representatives interested in being involved with the work of the CRUK and UCL CTC. Workshop results: Workshops identified immediate and future training needs for PPIE representatives, including understanding PPIE roles, research governance, evaluation of impact, quality of life measures and engagement with industry. Participants used their PPIE expertise to generate practical ideas to improve inclusive recruitment of patients to trials and highlighted the importance of clear, accessible communication with trial participants throughout the research lifecycle.