Public contributor Nicola Monk writes about her motivation and experience working with us
I have been involved as a public contributor for the BHF Data Science Centre for around 5 years now. I was motivated to get involved following my husband’s atrial fibrillation diagnosis. I was keen to contribute towards cardiovascular research and help scientists communicate better with the public so that people can feel better informed and able to make positive choices that support their heart health. I have done so many things in my time with the BHF Data Science Centre; ensuring the public can understand research materials, shaping an innovative research competition and even being interviewed on local radio to help explain some of the centre’s research findings.
A real highlight for me however was having the opportunity to travel to Orkney to attend a science festival. I spoke to adults and children about the importance of research, and got them involved in fun activities that gave us the opportunity to spark their interest in how they can make a difference to research. My husband took to the stage to speak about his experience and interview a leading researcher about why public involvement in research is vital. It was a unique experience and one we would not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. I think that our presence added real value because it’s one thing for a paid staff member to tell you that getting involved with research is a good thing, but it’s quite another to hear from a member of the public doing just that!
Because of my involvement, I am far more aware of my own heart health. I worked on a project to do with smartphones and wearable devices, and so now I pay far more attention to what my watch is trying to tell me about my health. I have made lots of positive personal changes to do with diet and exercise because now I know more I want to do even more to support my health. We all have a role to play in our own cardiovascular health and also in making a difference to people we may never meet. Be it participating in research studies, taking an interest in new scientific findings, being a public contributor or even just making lifestyle tweaks – it all matters and all makes a difference to ourselves, our communities and the ability of the health service to care for us.