On 8 June, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP), in collaboration with the DORIAN GRAY project, organised a webinar entitled “From Heart to Mind: How Public and Patient Involvement Supports Research to Prevent Cognitive Impairment in Cardiovascular Disease.”
The webinar brought together cardiologists, neurologists, nurses, general practitioners and researchers to discuss how actively involving patients and members of the public can enhance the research process and lead to better outcomes and more personalised and effective solutions. Speakers highlighted how meaningful Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) improves the relevance, accessibility and real-world impact of research, particularly in projects addressing the complex relationship between cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment. They underlined that PPI means working alongside individuals as advisors, collaborators and partners, bringing their lived experience to shape how research is designed, implemented and communicated.
The session was chaired by Tiny Jaarsma (Linkoping University). The programme opened with a joint presentation by Tiny Jaarsma and Leonie Klompstra (Linkoping University) entitled “Involving Patients in Meaningful Ways: Co-creating Self-care and Interventions to Improve Heart Failure Outcomes.” The second presentation, “Involving Members of the Public in Research: What Does This Mean, Why and How?”, was delivered by Cindy Birck (Alzheimer Europe) on behalf of Soraya Moradi-Bachiller (Alzheimer Europe). This was followed by a presentation from Nicola Lopomo (Politecnico di Milano) and Leonardo Angelini (Haute École spécialisée de Suisse occidentale) entitled “From Insight to Innovation: How Does Public Involvement Benefit Research?”
The final speaker was Annick Germeys, a member of the DORIAN GRAY Advisory Board and the European Dementia Carers Working Group. Speaking from the perspective of a caregiver and expert by experience, she highlighted how Public Involvement brings valuable real-life knowledge into research, helping researchers better understand everyday challenges and develop more human-centered solutions.
https://www.doriangray-horizon.eu/news/from-heart-to-mind-dorian-gray-webinar-highlights-the-role-of-public-and-patient-involvement-in-research/
