“You learn so much by being involved in research” - Katherine’s story for #BePartofResearch
In this blog we hear from Katherine Barrett, a service user who has been getting involved in research at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust for many years.
Visit our Take Part in Research pages to see our current research opportunities.
Hello, please introduce yourself!
My name is Katherine Barrett and I'm a qualified English teacher, and taught English as a foreign language. I've been involved as a participant in research projects for about 16 years. You learn so much by being involved, and I really like working with research professionals. There’s no stigma working with research professionals. I’d encourage anyone to get involved in research.
Why did you want to get involved in research?
I enjoy cognitive work, which is an extension of all the academic work I did. You meet very nice people including the service users and researchers. I also like gaining new knowledge. I found research participation by doing PPI - patient and public involvement.
What was involved in the study or studies that you've taken part in?
I've been involved in a lot of studies. As a participant I do questionnaires, online tasks and focus groups. Recently, I've been involved in a dementia study where I did a quiz online. Sometimes they ask you if you want to have a blood test, or if you want to have an MRI scan. Studies can be as creative as the participant wants.
I think it's really important to get involved as a participant in research. Not only do you learn new ideas, but also you meet fantastic people involved in the research.
How was the experience for you?
The studies are always enjoyable and interesting. Sometimes you can get computer tasks which can be quite easy, but other times they’re quite challenging. Although some of the tasks can be a bit repetitive, the researcher always explains them and I know it is to advance knowledge on the topic they are researching, so I don't mind.
Did you learn more about your condition, and did your mental or physical health improve?
I think it did, yeah. I'm still learning about my condition and every project in research I take part in, I learn more about other illnesses. I don't just take part in research about my condition, I do it across the board in mental health and I learn more about lots of illnesses in mental health. It's a great place to ask the researcher questions and they're always happy to share information. Not only do you learn more about your condition, but also you learn from the study you're taking part in - for instance I don't have dementia, but I take part in dementia research.
What were the best things about taking part?
I love the variety of involvement from project to project. Some of the tasks are done alone on the computer and others are individual interviews or focus groups. I like interviews the best as you can really express yourself and get to the nitty gritty of different problems.
What are some of the other benefits?
Sometimes you get renumeration, you get money for doing the task. That sometimes can be a voucher, or sometimes there's an amount that you can get paid. You just have to check what you’re allowed with your benefits. You can also get your travel expenses paid, so keep your receipts.
Is there anything else that you wanted to add?
When I reflect on my involvement as a participant in research, I look at how much I've learned, and I manage my mental health better - I've stopped the revolving door syndrome of being non-compliant with medication.
I'm really glad that I'm in recovery and can take part in things like this interview today. You will learn so much and it may lead to paid work eventually.
I think it's really important to get involved as a participant in research. Not only do you learn new ideas, but also you meet fantastic people involved in the research.
Visit our Take Part in Research pages to see our current research opportunities.
