UCL World Stroke Day Forum

The day consisted of an expo hosting 10 different stalls on research, clinical work and leading charities for stroke research and care. This was paired with a series of workshops and talks around some of the latest developments in stroke research at UCL, provided a platform for conversation around the future of stroke research and rehabilitation.

Professor Jenny Crinion, who researches the impact of damage to the language system in stroke survivours, stresses the importance of seeking patient involvement and opinion in research “To develop high-quality research and ultimately better healthcare for stroke survivors it is essential to establish a common understanding of the needs, experiences, and priorities of those living with the results of stroke. Events like this really help us do that."

Stroke Survivors from across the UK attended the day with some coming from as far away as Lakes District and Aberdeen. The consistent theme throughout the day was the importance of creating these platforms for patients and researchers/clinicians to share and seek feedback on the research. The event was designed to empower stroke survivours to contribute to and influence the future of stroke research and rehabilitation in the UK.

“I wish there had been something like this when I had my stroke seven years ago,” reported one attendee.

There were many passionate discussions around life after stoke with one attendee commenting that after her stroke she “felt like I’d died already, everyone has written me off. But I’m capable of doing more – research is so exciting for me!”

Getting involved with research “helps you understand why you are why you are,” reported another passionate stroke survivor.

This event is part of a new public engagement program funded by the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging. Their vision is to empower those with psychiatric and neurological conditions to meaningfully contribute to the research.

Source

• Cassandra Hugill 

Links

• Professor Jenny Crinion 
• Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging  
• For more information about other engagement events by the Centre