Making Mesothelioma Patient Research Happen: The United Kingdom Experience

Abstract

In just a few years, the collaboration between an expert team of nurses, a charity committed to patients, the NHS, and successful health academics has resulted in an excellent, clinically relevant portfolio of research. The collaboration supports the identification of relevant studies, the securing of research grants, and the dissemination of findings. Tools and resources have been developed on the basis of findings from the research, ensuring timely and maximum impact. The collaborations described have emerged organically, but we hope that future work and activity will be further augmented following the publication of Mesothelioma UK’s research strategy and the establishment of the charity’s Centre for Research. This approach is replicable in other countries. The hub-and-spoke national approach to specialist nursing, appropriate funds or grants, and a close working relationship with committed health academics are all equally essential. Opportunities to forge global partnerships would be welcome.