Meet Danielle, member of our Patient and Public Network Executive team. This month, April English, our Patient and Public Involvement Manager had the honour of sitting down with Danielle to talk about her motivations to getting involved, the impact it’s had, top tips, and much more.

What motivated you to get involved in Cochrane’s evidence community?

I am so passionate about getting people who are impacted by research to be directly involved in its development. I think this approach epitomizes strength and ensuring that research is meaningful to the community. Cochrane have been an organization that I have looked up to for many years, so to be apart of it in a small role is very rewarding.

 

I am so passionate about getting people who are impacted by research to be directly involved in its development.

 

Since becoming involved with Cochrane, what is a particular moment or project you are proud of?

Being apart of the Cochrane co-production working group. Since it started it has made phenomenal strides in ensuring that patients and members of the public are involved within evidence synthesis. It is a great group of wonderful people who are all striving towards inclusive approaches.

Can you share a story where you or someone you know were involved in health research, and how that experience led to a significant impact on your own life or the lives of others?

I can share my own story. In 2014 I lost my daughter, Sofia, to stillbirth. I wanted to know why it happened, and why stillbirth is even still occurring. It drove me to complete a PhD in this area and I fell in love with research. Finding out answers, or even finding a pathway to getting answers is incredibly satisfying. But, being a part of this community has changed my life. I have gone from never liking research within my undergraduate degree to now never seeing myself leave health research. It has taken me all over the world and I have had so many great opportunities to speak about my work, and most importantly, my daughter.

What resource, learning opportunity, or mentor was most helpful when you started your journey in patient and public involvement?

Richard Morley [past Cochrane Consumer Engagement Officer] and Jack Nunn [Patient and Public Network Executive Co-Chair], two of the kindest and most generous people you will ever meet in your life. They both welcomed me with open arms and have taught me more about engagement and how to do it well than anyone possible.

What advice or tips would you give to others thinking about getting involved? 

It may seem scary, but it isn’t. You are the expert and they need your expertise. You can do hard things! 

Thank you for sharing your time and insights, Danielle! Join Danielle and 2500 other patients and members of the public who are contributing to Cochrane and health evidence by signing up to our Network here.