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Dr Victoria Shepherd

@vickylshepherd.bsky.social
839 followers 817 following 61 posts

Principal Research Fellow, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University | Exploring inclusivity in trials, including research involving adults with impaired capacity to consent | PI of CONSULT www.capacityconsentresearch.com #InclusiveResearch

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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Dementia Researcher @dementiaresearcher.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The World Alzheimer Report 2026 is out, and this year it's all about clinical trials. We've pulled out the key findings, ADI's ten recommendations, and what they mean for anyone working in dementia research. www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/world-alzhei...
dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
World Alzheimer Report 2026: What It Says About Dementia Clinical Trials
158 drugs, 192 trials, and 350,000 people needed to fill them. The key findings and ADI's 10 recommendations, summarised.
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Dementia Researcher @dementiaresearcher.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
76 funded PhDs from NIHR ARC North West Coast, and two are dementia projects from day one. We've pulled out every project with a dementia angle, with the supervisor contacts. Closes 13 October. www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/funding/nihr...
dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
Funded PhDs: NIHR ARC North West Coast Doctoral Awards
Funded PhDs from NIHR ARC North West Coast, with two dementia projects and several more with a clear dementia angle. Applications close 13 October 2026.
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
At 10:00 in Hall 10, Hayley Prout presents mixed-methods TIPTOE SWAP work on including older people with osteoarthritis and multimorbidity in a pragmatic trial. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026 #InclusiveResearch
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A really great presentation from Kim Munnery from @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social on public & professional perspectives about inclusion & health systems data in trials, with implications for researchers #ICTMC2026 #CTRICTMC
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Good trial design asks you to be inclusive from the beginning. Martina Svobodova discusses her role in OPTIMISE, and making it accessible by design. Martina will share her findings in the Recruitment and Consent parallel session alongside Vicky Shepherd. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026
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Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The ICTMC scientific programme opens today. CTR colleagues are contributing talks and posters on inclusion, consent, data quality, adaptive design and complex trial delivery. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026 #ClinicalTrials
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
At 11:15 in Hall 1, Martina Svobodova presents OPTIMISE recommendations for designing more inclusive consent processes in trials. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026 #InclusiveResearch
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
At 11:45 in Hall 1, Victoria Shepherd presents ACCORD work on implementing frameworks for trials involving adults who lack capacity to consent. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026 #InclusiveResearch
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Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Waku Maboshe, Ben Karatas, and Maisie Kite are due to share how NIHR INCLUDE Frameworks have been applied across five CTR trials. During the 8:30 lightning talk session in Hall 3. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Dementia Researcher @dementiaresearcher.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
New guide: the free research tools most PhD students never hear about, from finding papers to making figures to looking after yourself. All checked for 2026. www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/free-researc...
dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
Free Research Tools for PhD Students: A 2026 Guide
Free research tools for PhD students that rarely make the usual lists, from literature search and statistics to AI assistants, figures and policy impact.
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
If you missed any of the posters presented this evening, please see a selection attached #ictmc2026 @researchwales.bsky.social
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Today’s CTR contributions connected methodological questions with practical trial delivery—from consent and inclusion to data systems and adaptive design. Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
After today's inclusive consent workshop, looking forward to sharing findings from a number of collaborative projects on communication, capacity & consent in trials at the International Clinical Trials Methodology Conference this week #ICTMC #CTRICTMC @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social #InclusiveResearch
Flyer listing presentations on communication, capacity, and consent at ICTMC conference including OPTIMISE-ing informed consent: recommendations for designing inclusive consent processes in trials to address communication and decision-making barriers to participation (OPTIMISE) (PS.1A) and Exploring implementation of ethical and legal frameworks governing trials involving adults lacking capacity to consent: addressing consent-based exclusion to improve inclusion (ACCORD) (PS.1A)
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
How can trials become more inclusive? CTR colleagues will explore consent, underserved groups, participant burden and the ways research culture and data can enable—or constrain—inclusion. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This can include recruiting older participants who have different accessibility needs. Here is one of our CI’s, Dr Rachel Abbot talking about EXCISE, a surgical skin cancer trial, where the demographic are mostly older patients. @researchwales.bsky.social #ICTMC2026
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Really excited to see so much @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social trials methodology work is being presented at #ICTMC next week, including Martina & I presenting OPTIMISE recommendations for designing inclusive consent processes in trials www.capacityconsentresearch.com/optimise @researchwales.bsky.social
capacityconsentresearch.com
OPTIMISE
Recommendations for designing informed consent processes for research involving adults with impaired communication and/or decision-making.
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
📣Do you struggle to recruit diverse populations in trials where consent is more challenging? Join our #ICTMC workshop on inclusive consent methodologies led by international experts 📆14 Sept 🕙2-5pm 📍ICC Birmingham 🔗https://ictmc.org/ #InclusiveTrials @ukctunetwork.org @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social
Blue coloured flyer for a pre-conference workshop with a URL for more information: https://ictmc.org/
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Centre for Trials Research @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
The new @ukctunetwork.org name puts registration at its heart. Registered units are independently assessed against clear criteria, including their specialist teams, robust systems and experience of coordinating multicentre trials. CTR is proud to meet those standards. #UKCTUNetwork
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
UK CTU Network @ukctunetwork.org · 03/08/2026
🚨 A new look but the same mission! We're excited to launch our new identity as the UK Registered CTU Network, reflecting the evolution of our community while continuing to support high-quality clinical research across the UK. 👉 tinyurl.com/38sjnt3p #UKCTUNetwork #ClinicalResearch
tinyurl.com
The Network becomes the UK Registered CTU Network 2026
The UKCRC Registered CTU Network is proud to launch a new visual identity and name, as we become the UK Registered CTU Network.
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
EXCISE Trial @excise-trial.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The fifth edition of the EXCISE Trial newsletter is now available! This edition continues the celebration of this week's fantastic milestone of 100 participants recruited. Thank you to everyone supporting the EXCISE Trial- we look forward to the next milestone!
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
NEW: 'Making Decisions About Research For Others' - a co-produced information video for families on the role of a consultee/legal representative, why they're being approached & what they would need to consider ​🔗https://youtu.be/lerIAU4zq2k 🔗https://www.capacityconsentresearch.com/decision-support
Image of the title slide from the Making Decisions for Others video for family members
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
With CONSULT now ending, we are delighted to share two reports that summarise our findings 1/n CONSULT aimed to support ethical inclusion in research of adults with impaired capacity to consent through series of studies & methodological interventions: 📆5 yrs 📝9 papers (+ 1 in review) 🗝️8 key findings
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
✨OPTIMISE policy brief: Improving inclusion in clinical trials through ensuring consent is ‘accessible by design’ Highlights how OPTIMISE recommendations can help organisations achieve their mission to reduce inequalities through research inclusion 🔗https://www.capacityconsentresearch.com/optimise
Image of the front cover of the OPTIMISE policy brief titled OPTIMISE: Improving inclusion in clinical trials through ensuring consent is ‘accessible by design’
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
UCL Innovative Clinical Trials Unit @innovative-ctu.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
🔒 What happens to your data after you join a #ClinicalTrial? We co-produced an animation with young people to explain how GDPR protects your information and ensures it’s handled securely. @hralatest.bsky.social @pentafoundation.bsky.social 🎥 Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlI6...
youtube.com
What is GDPR?
YouTube video by MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
INCLUDE Impaired Capacity to Consent Framework for designing trials including adults with impaired capacity to consent now updated to signpost to: ✅OPTIMISE recommendations for inclusive consent ✅CONSULT Training on ethical & legal frameworks www.capacityconsentresearch.com/include-impa...
Image of INCLUDE Impaired Capacity to Consent Framework questions and worksheets
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
WATCH Project @watch1.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
🎉 Exciting milestone, our first review paper is published🎉 🔍 Identified 20 vaccine trials & strategies to improve recruitment of care home residents in future vaccine trials. 🔗 doi.org/10.1093/agei... #WATCHProject; #VaccineTrials; #CareHomeResidents; #CareHomes; #NursingHomes, #CareHomeResearch
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Alex Ruck Keene @capacitylaw.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
New 39 Essex Chambers website, but same mental capacity resources! My Chambers have launched a new and zippy version of our website.  But don't worry, all the content that you might need - our Reports, our case-law summaries, and our guidance notes - can all still be found via here. We know…
mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk
New 39 Essex Chambers website, but same mental capacity resources!
My Chambers have launched a new and zippy version of our website.  But don't worry, all the content that you might need - our Reports, our case-law summaries, and our guidance notes - can all still be found via here. We know (flatteringly) that many of our materials are embedded on websites; the old links should automatically redirect to the new page, but do please let us know if you encounter difficulties. 
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
✨Join my research team ✨ Exciting opportunity for Research Associate (Research Ethics & Law) to join new Wellcome-funded Addressing consent-based challenges to improve inclusivity in research (ACCORD) Full-time G6 Fixed term 8 yrs From 1 March Closes 10 Feb krb-sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Sear...
Job opportunity for Research Associate (Research Ethics and Law) to join a new interdisciplinary Wellcome-funded project Addressing consent-based challenges to improve inclusivity in research (ACCORD) being led by the Centre for Trials Research
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Thanks for sharing our blog about the OPTIMISE recommendations @bsgcarehomes.bsky.social ! For more info about OPTIMISE: www.capacityconsentresearch.com/optimise @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social
capacityconsentresearch.com
OPTIMISE
Recommendations for designing informed consent processes for research involving adults with impaired communication and/or decision-making.
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Dalila @dalilatm.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
💻 Great to have attended the OPTIMISE-ing Informed Consent webinar on designing more inclusive consent processes in trials 🙋🙋🏻‍♀️ 🗣️ Helpful to explore many of the issues we often encounter when reviewing #REC applications involving people who lack capacity. Thank you @vickylshepherd.bsky.social
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
🚨Just launched: OPTIMISE recommendations to help ensure consent processes in trials are more inclusive of people with communication and/or decision-making needs ⬇️download recommendations ℹ️links to examples & info 🎦recorded webinar ↔️other resources 🔗https://www.capacityconsentresearch.com/optimise
Image of interlocking puzzle pieces in a circle
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Samantha Laws @samparamedic.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
I’m seeking interview participants for my PhD study about patient safety in non-conveyance. If you had an ambulance out for yourself or someone you care for, I’d love to talk to you. Please see ad for details. Please share @lavendercrew.bsky.social @carsonstevens.bsky.social
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Dementia Researcher @dementiaresearcher.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Join the OPTIMISE launch webinar on 1 Dec 2025, 2–3pm. Learn how to make informed consent more inclusive for people with communication or decision-making needs. www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/event/optimi...
dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
OPTIMISE-ing informed consent - DEMENTIA RESEARCHER
OPTIMISE launch webinar on inclusive consent in trials. Hear the recommendations and join an expert Q&A. 1 December 2025, 2 to 3pm. Register now.
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
📢3 weeks to go Webinar launching OPTIMISE recommendations for inclusive consent for trials involving people with communication &/or capacity needs ✅why inclusive consent matters ✅introduce OPTIMISE recommendations & resources ✅Q&A experts 📅 1 Dec 🕑 2-3pm 🔗 www.capacityconsentresearch.com/optimise
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Dr Joanne Euden @drjoanneeuden.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Our very own Director of Infections, Inflammation and Immunity division @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social - Dr David Gillespie, delivering his Ted style talk at the Health and Care Research Wales conference. #ResearchWales25
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
📢 Register for OPTIMISE webinar Introducing OPTIMISE recommendations for designing more inclusive consent processes to ensure trials are accessible for people with communication &/or decision-making needs 📆1st Dec 🕙2-3pm 🔗https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/cardiff/optimise-webinar-registration
Flyer for OPTIMISE launch webinar on 1st December from 2-3pm
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Involved in palliative care research? Join our workshop to explore issues around mental capacity & consent in palliative care research & build collaborations 📆 17 October, 10:30–3pm 📍 Royal College of Physicians, London 📩 @drcarolinebarry.bsky.social healthandcareresearchwales.org/about/events...
healthandcareresearchwales.org
Building inclusive practices around mental capacity and consent in palliative care research
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Dementia Researcher @dementiaresearcher.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
NIHR will commission up to 10 Application Development Awards for early to mid career health and care professionals including nurses, midwives, pharmacists and allied health professions. Apply by 4th February www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/funding/appl...
dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
Application Development Award for Health & Care Professionals
NIHR invites applications for up to 10 Application Development Awards to support early to mid career HCP researchers preparing future funding proposals.
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Rhiannon Phillips @nannon-phillips.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
🔊Fully funded PhD studentships at Cardiff Metropolitan University We're now accepting applications for the 2026 Wales Graduate School for Social Sciences PhD studentship competition in Psychology, Sport, Education, and Linguistics and Bilingualism. lnkd.in/e7wsTRem
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
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Dementia Researcher @dementiaresearcher.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Apply now for a Churchill Fellowship @churchillfship.bsky.social : a once in a lifetime chance to explore global ideas, grow personally and professionally, and create real change in the UK. www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/funding/chur...
dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
Churchill Fellowship - DEMENTIA RESEARCHER
Apply now for a Churchill Fellowship: a once in a lifetime chance to explore global ideas, grow personally and professionally, and create real change in the UK.
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Prof Jane Ball @janeeball.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
So pleased to be launching our research strategy today, at the RCN International Research Conference #RCNResearch2025
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Today is #WorldRadiotherapyAwarenessDay #WRAD. SCC-AFTER is #ClinicalTrial looking at adjuvant #radiotherapy in patients with high-risk primary cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma after surgery with focus on #Inclusvity ℹ️ www.cardiff.ac.uk/centre-for-t... @nihr.bsky.social @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
I highly recommend applying to the Churchill Fellowship - one of my most exciting personal & professional opportunities in terms of learning about international perspectives & building long lasting connections & collaborations @churchillfship.bsky.social www.churchillfellowship.org/ideas-expert...
churchillfellowship.org
Victoria Shepherd
We are a community of changemakers championing global solutions for today's crucial challenges. We were founded in 1965 in memory of Sir Winston Churchill. We offer ideas to inspire your vision for ch...
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Reposted by Dr Victoria Shepherd
Dementia Researcher @dementiaresearcher.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
New EMPOWER Dementia Network+ Toolkit offers practical guidance, case studies and resources to support genuine co-production with people living with dementia. www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/the-empower-...
dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
The EMPOWER Dementia Network+ Co-production Toolkit
New EMPOWER Dementia Network+ Toolkit offers practical guidance, case studies and resources to support genuine co-production with people living with dementia.
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
🚨New paper🚨 Feasibility stage of CONSULT SWAT evaluating decision aid for families acting as consultee/legal representative in studies involving adults lacking capacity to consent 🔗 doi.org/10.1186/s130... ℹ️ www.capacityconsentresearch.com/consult-swat #TrialsMethodologyResearch #InclusiveResearch
Image of a paper from Trials journal which reports the feasibility stage of CONSULT SWAT
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UK CTU Network @ukctunetwork.org · 20/08/2025
We’re delighted by the interest and engagement with the #UKCTUNetwork Strategy 2025–2030 - nearly 300 downloads & counting. Get your copy here ukcrc-ctu.org.uk/network-stra... We look forward to sharing details of our work plan with you over the next few months. #ResearchStrategy #ClinicalTrials
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Marion Campbell @marionkcampbell.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
I agree - there needs to be much more done to improve the inclusivity of trials! There was a useful recent rapid response in the BMJ from @vickylshepherd.bsky.social outlining the importance of this, and some of the work being done in this space. www.bmj.com/content/390/...
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Katharine Wright @wrightkatharine.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Great response by @vickylshepherd.bsky.social highlighting the particular exclusion from research of older adults with impaired capacity - and thank you for flagging the valuable work in this space by @nuffieldbioethics.bsky.social chaired by the fabulous Bella Starling!
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Dr Victoria Shepherd @vickylshepherd.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
My rapid response in @bmj.com on research funders' joint statement calling for better inclusion of older people in research highlights the key role of #TrialsMethodology research e.g CONSULT www.capacityconsentresearch.com @ctrcardiffuni.bsky.social #InclusiveResearch www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Screenshot of a rapid response article in The BMJ titled Research must be (re)designed to include older people if it is to meet tomorrow's health and care needs
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Caroline Barry @drcarolinebarry.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Really looking forward to chairing this workshop alongside @vickylshepherd.bsky.social - keen to reach a wide range of people interested in mental capacity and consent to palliative care research.
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