About us
South Coast
Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network
(South Coast DeNDRoN)
DeNDRoN is a UK-wide initiative that aims to improve the speed, quality and integration of research in dementias and neurodegenerative diseases, resulting in improvements in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for patients.
South Coast DeNDRoN is one of seven DeNDRoN Local Research Networks which are placed throughout the UK and is hosted by Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust. The DeNDRoN Coordinating Centre (CC) oversees the work of each individual network and is responsible for allocation of the department of health funding to each network. The DeNDRoN CC is responsible to the UK Clinical Research Network.
Information on this site talks about clinical trials and research. It should be noted that we refer to clinical trials and research only in Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Included in these groups are the dementias, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease and Motor Neurone Disease.
Background
From the national DeNDRoN website:
Strengthening patient and public engagement in health care decision-making and research is a key strategy for improving health and the quality and relevance of research. The Wanless report emphasised the importance of “fully engaged” patients and populace and the concepts of patient engagement, individual responsibility and choice are embedded in the Public Health White Papers “Choosing Health: Making Healthier Choices Easier”; “Better Information, Better Choices, Better Health”; “The NHS Improvement Plan – Putting People at the Heart of Public Services”; “Creating a Patient Led NHS – Delivering the NHS Improvement Plan”. A partnership between researchers and service users is also a key component of the Department of Health “Research and Development for a first class service” and “Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care”.
Over the last 10 years there have been significant developments to enable patients to make informed decisions about treatment options. Clinical practice has moved from a paternalistic approach to open discussions and shared decision making between patient and clinician. The benefits of patient engagement in decision about their own health are improved health care, improved treatment compliance and improved health outcomes. There is also increased involvement of the public in policy making, priority setting and developing health care guidelines.
Patient and carer involvement in planning and undertaking research is a rapidly advancing field. The Dementias & Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network will play a key role in promoting active involvement of patients and the public in research. It is no longer acceptable to view patients as passive research subjects. The UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) has emphasised the importance of ensuring that the patient/public voice is heard throughout the work of topic Clinical Research Networks, including DeNDRoN.
More information about DeNDRoN on a national basis can be found by visiting www.dendron.org.uk
