The Imagine Series: a knowledge exchange model merging global research evidence with patient and carer insight to help shape the future

Session: 

Oral session: Priority setting (1)

Date: 

Sunday 16 September 2018 - 11:00 to 11:20

Location: 

Carrick 2

All authors in correct order:

Corner L1, Mitchell A2, Garcia Gonzalez-Moral S2, Weissenbacher V2, Craig D2
1 VOICE & NIHR Innovation Observatory, UK
2 NIHR Innovation Observatory, UK
Presenting author and contact person

Presenting author:

Alex Mitchell

Contact person:

Alex Mitchell
Sonia Garcia Gonzalez-Moral
Verena Weissenbacher
Abstract text
Background: The NIHR Innovation Observatory (NIHRIO) is the national horizon-scanning centre involved in the identification, monitoring and collation of evidence around new health technologies. As well as understanding the future pipeline, it is important to identify gaps and stimulate areas of research and innovation. The Imagine Series is a knowledge exchange and patient and public involvement programme devised and co-ordinated by VOICE, a national citizen involvement network, delivered in collaboration with NIHRIO and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing.

Objectives: The series will identify patient and carer needs and priorities based on their experience of specific conditions. It aims to: share the latest research; identify future innovations; ascertain patient and carer priorities; and inform future funding and research priorities.

Methods: A combination method involving systematic literature searches, mapping evidence against care pathways and horizon scanning of upcoming innovation is used to inform patient and carer workshops. This knowledge-exchange model provides patients and carers with an overview of the research landscape and identifies key challenges, unmet needs and priorities through informed discussion, gap analysis and priority setting exercises.

Results: A report summarising research evidence, patient and carer insights and future recommendations is produced. Each series culminates in a workshop with key opinion leaders, with the aim of informing collaborative research agendas and innovative solutions to the challenges identified. The reports are widely disseminated to UK and international stakeholders.

Conclusions: Patients and carers have immense insight, but often lack access to the latest research evidence and innovation landscape. The Imagine Series facilitates an evidence-informed dialogue with patients and carers about their priorities and will help ensure that future research is considerate of patient and carer needs.

Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Patients and carers are involved in the series through a range of workshops and digital engagement approaches. The VOICE digital platform enables us to obtain insights on an international scale, while allowing people to contribute their insights, regardless of location and circumstances. We have a strategic focus on inclusion and diversity.

Relevance to patients and consumers: 

The Imagine Series aims to harness the experience of patients and carers across health conditions and to identify key insights, needs and priorities, share evidence reviews, highlight gaps in research and to explore how current research evidence reflects met or unmet needs. The Imagine Series enables patients to access, debate and discuss research evidence and to influence the way in which future research agendas attempt to understand and treat their condition.