Being a RUG member

What is it like to be a RUG member?

"An extraordinary group of medics, academics and patients able to work together to make something effective that potentially will dramatically change the way doctors, consultants and health care professionals in general deal with their patients...quite breathtaking."
Member of RUG

"I can bring my experience of being a parent and grandparent, a broad range of general knowledge and life experiences...most importantly, I can bring my knowledge of living with a range of arthritic conditions."
Member of RUG

"I have always been amazed that they actually listen to what I have to say and use the information that I give. So, you do feel valued when you work here."
Member of RUG

How are RUG members supported?

• We have a dedicated team who will work alongside our RUG members and academics to ensure that RUG members' needs are met and questions are answered.
• The team has developed several guides to help and support the involvement of our RUG members in research studies. The guides provide an introduction to a large range of research processes and methods and are freely available for you to use.
• A User Support Worker will be available to attend all meetings with RUG members. ‌
• We provide RUG members with a glossary of the scientific terms used in research studies along with a lay summary of the study.
• We will work with the Principal Investigator and the Chair of the meeting to make sure that RUG members' needs are met and that they are able to answer any questions they may have.
• The PPIE Team will always welcome any comments that RUG members have on their experiences - our aim is to ensure meaningful involvement for all members involved.
• We hold hybrid meetings which are jointly face-to-face or via Microsoft Teams.
• Provide a digital guide to help with accessing virtual meetings.
• Provide feedback from research meetings.