Invitation to participate in research in older people

I am writing to you seeking your support with research. My name is Dr Asangaedem Akpan and I am a consultant geriatrician at the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT where I provide clinical care to older people both in the hospital and outside in their place of residence. I also carry out research and have academic links with our local universities.

Traditionally in the past people were usually approached to be research participants only after the research question and design had been completed usually by the university and or health care professionals.

In the last few years and definitely now we are very keen that you are involved (  https://www.nihr.ac.uk/patients-carers-and-the-public ) in all stages of research right from when we start discussing any ideas right through to designing, carrying it out, writing and presenting the outcomes as well as being research participants.

I am fortunate to be the Ageing specialty research group lead at the Northwest coast clinical research network (https://local.nihr.ac.uk/lcrn/north-west-coast ) which is part of the National Institute for Health Research ( https://www.nihr.ac.uk ). Through this very supportive network I am sincerely extending a warm invitation to you, your friends and family members to consider engaging with us in research.

As we respond to research funding calls on various topics we will come to you via your newsletter and forum meetings to share these and invite expressions of interest to contribute your time and expertise that you are comfortable with. Where this involves any travel, we will bear those costs and where we meet face to face refreshments will also be provided.

These contributions can include advising us on what is relevant to you and older people, helping us think of the best ways to recruit older people into the studies, being a co-author of any publications we produce and co presenting research findings at conferences. Any associated travel and accommodation costs will be covered for you and your partner or carer who accompanies you. Last year I was honoured to have a 75 year old retired teacher co present with myself at a national conference.

It is only by co designing research together that we can have meaningful outcomes that matter to older people and you.

I would be delighted to be contacted by email (asan.akpan@nihr.ac.uk) or via direct messaging on twitter (@asanakpan). If you prefer contacting me by telephone then my secretary on 0151 529 8703 will take your details and schedule a mutually convenient time for me to call you back.