Did you know the James Lind Alliance (JLA) helps make sure that the voices of patients, carers, and healthcare professionals are heard when choosing what research should be done?
The JLA brings people together in something called a Priority Setting Partnership (PSP). A PSP is a group of patients, carers, and health experts who work as a team. They talk about the questions they have about a health condition—like “What is the best treatment for this?” or “How can we prevent it?” These are called research evidence uncertainties. The JLA does not do the research itself. Instead, it helps make sure that future research is useful and focused on real-life needs.
One example is the Prehabilitation for Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery PSP. This group looks at how to help people get ready for hip or knee replacements surgery by improving their physical and mental health before the operation. This is called prehabilitation. The group includes patients waiting for surgery, people who had already had surgery, carers, and doctors. Together, they choose the most important questions about prehabilitation that still need answers.
Can you help them? Which questions matter most to you when it comes to preparation for total knee replacement surgery? Please complete this survey: Prehabilitation for Hip & Knee Replacement Surgery Prioritisation survey - v2
At the end, the group will vote to choose the Top 10 priorities, the most important questions that need answers. The Top 10 list will be shared with researchers and funders, so they know what really matters to people.
Thanks to the JLA, people living with health conditions can help shape the future of medicine. It’s a great example of teamwork between the public and professionals.
To learn more or get involved, visit the James Lind Alliance website: https://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/