Patient involvement in research
Patient and public involvement (PPI) is integral to all of C4TS' research activities. Trauma survivors and carers have been involved in prioritising research topics, questions and design, as well as inputting into grant applications and communicating findings to the wider public. Most recently, we have established Patient/Public Advisors for Injury Research (PAIR), a patient group to inform our work priorities in haemorrhage and patient outcomes. Our Communications Officer Nicole Skeltys co-ordinates involvement. Find out more.
Engaging trauma survivors
In April 2014, C4TS launched AfterTrauma, the UK's first website dedicated to providing recovery information and support for survivors of traumatic injury. Trauma survivors contribute stories and blogs to the website, and also post about trauma topics and connect with each other via on on-line forum. Visit AfterTrauma.
Outreach programs
C4TS staff deliver trauma related educational events and workshops for local community groups, schools and colleges. Our resources include: 3D models of bleeding vessels; replica blood transfusion packs; interactive displays showing how the immune system responds to trauma; engaging computer-based learning tools; a surgical simulation model of a trauma patient; and games about careers in trauma care. Find out more about our outreach programs.
Public awareness raising events
Members of the public do not always understand the prevalence and impact of major trauma, or the need for medical research to improve survival rates and improved patient outcomes. To address this, C4TS engages with the broader public through general awareness raising events such as initiating the UK's first celebration of Trauma Survivors Day, now an annual event, and co-producing the UK's first concert to raise money for trauma research. Find out more about our events.
Other ways to get involved
There are a range of student opportunities including four separate MSc Trauma Sciences courses
We conduct collaborative research with higher education institutes, hospitals and clinical research centres and industry partners throughout London, the United Kingdom and internationally, and always welcome the opportunity to develop more collaborations.
In 2006, Professor Karim Brohi establised Trauma.org, an independent, non-profit organisation providing global education, information and communication resources for professionals in trauma and critical care. This is now the most popular on-line community for trauma clinicians around the world to exchange information and best practice. Visit Trauma.org.
