An Ipsos MORI survey of more than 2000 British adults has revealed huge gaps in knowledge about medical research charities, even though these now top the list of charitable causes to which we give money.

While over half had donated to a medical research charity at some point, almost half say they would be more likely to give if they knew the charity funded medical research and nearly two thirds say they are interested in medical research, fewer than half could remember the last medical research story they had read or heard about. When asked to name three medical research charities, the most frequent first mention was Cancer Research UK (30%), while the second most frequent mention (17% of those polled) was Cancer Research Campaign, a charity that has not existed since 2002*.

The poll also gave a picture of those most (and least) likely to donate. Londoners were significantly the least likely to support medical research whilst the top supporters were likely to be female; aged 15-34yrs; married; living in Scotland.
 
The poll was commissioned by the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) to coincide with the publication of a new book, A Very Public Benefit. This retrospective of medical charity-funded research and innovation celebrates the Association’s 21st anniversary and tells of such medical breakthroughs as the sequencing of the human genome, vaccination against deadly meningococcal group C meningitis (and subsequent fall in cases of 95 per cent) and the Back to Sleep campaign which halved cot death rates within months and was hailed as one of the UK’s most successful health campaigns ever.

Despite charity funding being behind high profile stories of this sort, when asked whether medical research charities are sufficiently open about the research they spend their money on, 22% said mostly/all the time, 32% sometimes/occasionally while 26% hardly ever or never. Those interested in research were significantly more likely to think charities were open than those who were not interested.

Simon Denegri, AMRC’s Chief Executive said “Medical research charities are a vibrant and innovative source of research funding in the UK. The £800 million they raise and spend annually on research has a staggering impact on the lives of patients and families across the country today, as well as helping to advance scientific understanding and knowledge to combat conditions in the future.  But our survey suggests charities could benefit even more if they addressed the public's desire and interest in knowing more about medical research and the impact that their support can have.  While charities have clearly won over people's hearts in many respects, there is much more to do to win over minds as well.”

Denegri also pointed out the importance of two-way communication between charities and their patient beneficiaries, after 56% of those polled agreed that such charities should act on the views of patients or carers as to what research they fund “Medical research charities are unique in being able to marry the insights of their patient groups with their expertise as research funders to ensure they support the very best science in the UK.  But this survey will undoubtedly give charities pause for thought on how they might further develop this relationship to strengthen and improve what they do. In an age of conflicting and often confusing media messages about research, there are clear benefits to charities developing their role as honest brokers of reliable information, as well as working closely with patients and carers to help shape research for their own benefit and that of future sufferers.”

3 November 2008

Notes for Editors

The research was conducted via in-home, face-to-face omnibus from 10-16th October 2008 by Ipsos MORI’s Global Omnibus Services division.  A nationally representative sample of 2001 adults aged 15+ in GB was interviewed, with data subsequently weighted to the known profile of this population.

Other key data include:

When asked whether medical research charities are sufficiently open about the research they spend their money on

22% said mostly/all the time 22%
32% sometimes/occasionally
26% hardly ever/never
3% said “all the time”
6% said “never”
19% didn’t know

Those interested in research were significantly more likely to think charities were open than those who were not interested

When asked where they would go to find out more about any medical research that might benefit them, or a friend or relative, such as a clinical trial of a new drug, 50% would use the internet/website, 34% their GP or local surgery, and only 5% a medical charity. With medical charities focusing increasing efforts on information provision via the internet, it will be interesting to probe whether the 50% using the internet were in fact finding their way to charity sites.

* The Cancer Research Campaign ceased to exist in 2002 when it merged with Imperial Cancer Research Fund to form Cancer Research UK

Further information regarding regional/gender/age/social class differences in behaviour and attitudes are available from the AMRC, as are advance copies of A Very Public Benefit. The book will be launched by Professor Sally Davies, Director of R&D at the Department of Health, at the Royal Society in London on Monday November 3rd, 12-2pm, when its sister website, www.charitymedresearchandyou.com, will also go live.

Dr Petit-Zeman can also arrange interviews with CEOs of AMRC member charities, such as Vivienne Michael Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, who comments: “The survey reveals a worrying lack of public awareness about the extent to which medical research and better health care in this country relies on the research charities. It is of particular concern to Deafness Research UK because, despite the fact that 9 million people - one in seven of the population - has a hearing loss or related condition, deafness charities generally are amongst the least well supported in the UK. Clearly, we urgently need to alert people to the devastating impact of deafness, the potential that exists to find medical cures and the fact that this relies so heavily on public support."

Contact

Dr Sophie Petit-Zeman, Head of External Relations, AMRC, 07799 764475; s.petit-zeman@amrc.org.uk

The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) is a membership organisation of the leading medical and health research charities in the UK. Working with our member charities and partners, we aim to support the sector’s effectiveness and advance medical research by developing best practice, providing information and guidance, improving public dialogue