QUB Cardiac Research Group Annual Heart Health Conference - 2024: Hot Off the Press: Latest Innovations in Cardiac Care

Approximately 100 delegates attended, comprising patients and carers / family members (majority); academics / researchers; healthcare professionals; and PPI members from the CRG.  This event disseminated information about research and innovation in CVD prevention and treatment to a large group of stakeholders, with delegates also educated on the importance of effective PPI. Those interested in PPI were invited to join the CRG at QUB, which will enhance the quality of cardiac research conducted within the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The conference brought together patients, carers, professionals, and patient support groups, resulting in effective networking and improved patient support. The event was co-chaired by Dr Tracey McConnell and a PPI member, with the speakers comprising academics, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, and students. QUB staff supervised undergraduate nursing students when facilitating health assessments for delegates. Two patient support organisations were in attendance: Cardiomyopathy UK and Heart Failure Warriors Northern Ireland. The HSC R&D Division funding enabled the conference to be facilitated. The ‘CRG Heart Health’ conference will be run in conjunction with PPI members annually, which will support and educate patients, carers, and professionals on World Heart Day.