Research initiative at UCC calls for children’s input to improve care

A new research initiative involving researchers from University College Cork (UCC) is aiming to take a significant step forward in involving young people in research and ensuring their perspectives shape the future of the care of children and young people within Ireland.

Children and young people aged between 12-18 years of age who have or are experiencing chronic health conditions, who have participated in clinical trials, have family members or friends with such experiences, or who have a keen interest in science or research, are being sought to get involved in the research which is being conducted by Ireland’s Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG).

The group is a collaboration between Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) and In4Kids, the national children’s clinical trials network led by the Infant Research Centre at UCC.

Current research suggests that better patient care outcomes are achieved in hospitals actively involved in research.

The creation of the YPAG is itself based on feedback from children and young people participating in various public and patient involvement activities across Ireland, as well as the rest of Europe.

The lead person for the In4Kids network and Infant in UCC, Professor Geraldine Boylan, said the initiative would empower young people to contribute actively to future child health research in Ireland.

“Their insights and experiences are invaluable in guiding our efforts to improve healthcare outcomes,” said Prof Boylan.

According to Professor Paul McNally, the Children’s Health Ireland director of research and innovation and a consultant in respiratory medicine, it was vital that the research supported by the initiative would have a direct impact on the child and family.

“One of the best ways to do that is to involve children and young people in the design and conduct of that research — as part of the team as opposed to ‘subjects’,” Prof McNally said.

The new national YPAG will drive a greater involvement of children and young people in child health research and is a fantastic new development.”

The YPAG will collaborate with healthcare professionals and researchers nationwide, transforming children and young people from subjects of research to active research partners.

Funded by the Health Research Board, In4Kids and CHI Clinical Research Centre will jointly coordinate the group, which will become a member of the European network of YPAGs, eYPAGNet.