We are pro-active in recognising the value of patient involvement and in disseminating research findings outside the academic sphere. As well as hospital-based events, we have led engagement activities in our local community, the latest being the Science of Digestion Event at Ealing Town Hall in collaboration with Guts UK.

Nick Powell and Tariq Ahmad (University of Exeter) have co-led the CLARITY and VIP public health studies, which were set up at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to urgently address important issues for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These initiatives have investigated whether the immune suppressing treatments taken by many IBD patients impact on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines by recruiting nearly 8,000 participants at pace. Patients were consulted at the outset to help frame research questions and gauge their importance to them. Patient engagement was retained throughout via representation in the Study Management Group and regular newsletters. These studies helped shape health care policy and the British Society of Gastroenterology guidance and recommendations for our patients taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Since 2020 we have delivered patient-focussed activities aimed at addressing patient fears and disseminating our research findings from CLARITY AND VIP. Nick Powell joined a Facebook live event with more than 19,000 viewers hosted by the charity Crohn's & Colitis UK and featuring real-time Q&A. He has also recently recorded a second update event.