{"id":6608,"date":"2026-04-29T10:21:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T10:21:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/centre-for-trials-research\/?p=6608"},"modified":"2026-04-29T10:37:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T10:37:34","slug":"how-public-contributors-helped-shape-the-esteem-trial-to-date-a-look-behind-the-scenes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/centre-for-trials-research\/how-public-contributors-helped-shape-the-esteem-trial-to-date-a-look-behind-the-scenes\/","title":{"rendered":"How Public Contributors Helped Shape the ESTEEM Trial To Date: A Look Behind the Scenes"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Dr Sue Channon and the ESTEEM team<\/strong><\/p>\n

Public involvement can sound quite abstract. However, in the ESTEEM trial<\/a>\u2014which is exploring whether adding testosterone to standard Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can reduce menopausal symptoms\u2014it has been practical, visible and influential.<\/p>\n

Over the past two years, public contributors have helped shape how the trial is designed and communicated, making it clearer, more inclusive and better grounded in everyday experience.<\/p>\n

Who are the public partners on the project?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Public partners have been part of ESTEEM from the start. Two contributors with lived experience of menopause and HRT, Lisa M and Lisa N, are members of the Trial Management Group (TMG) and play an active role in decision-making in designing the study.<\/p>\n

We have also worked closely with Fair Treatment for Women in Wales (FTWW) and with community groups, including the Talking Trials group in Cardiff and the Bargoed Parenting Group. Their insights have helped keep the study relevant and realistic.<\/p>\n

Making the Trial More Inclusive \u2013 from Technology to Translation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Early on, public partners raised barriers linked to technology, resulting in the team introducing alternative ways of sharing information so contributors could stay fully involved.<\/p>\n

Community groups highlighted the need for translated and simpler materials: \u00a0These suggestions directly shaped posters, FAQs and recruitment content. They encouraged us to look beyond GP surgeries, pointing to community centres and faith settings as important places to connect with people.<\/p>\n

Building Strong Working Relationships<\/strong><\/p>\n

Public contributors helped improve how meetings worked. Changes to\u00a0 meeting dates made it easier for public partners to attend regularly and have their voices heard.<\/p>\n

In December 2024, public partners also co\u2011facilitated community events in Cardiff and Bargoed, helping to open up conversations about menopause and testosterone.<\/p>\n

Learning Together and Reaching People Where They Are<\/strong><\/p>\n

Community engagement revealed gaps in awareness eg many women did not know that women naturally produce testosterone. Clearer explanations helped, while feedback about stigma around menopause symptoms in some communities shaped a more sensitive approach to communication.<\/p>\n

Strengthening Governance \u2013 Clearer, Fairer, More Proportionate<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2025, public contributors helped shape responses to regulators and strengthened clarity around consent, recruitment routes, GP communication and information\u2011sharing.<\/p>\n

Transforming Our Recruitment Communications\u2014Shorter, Clearer, Kinder<\/strong><\/p>\n

Public input led to visible changes in how ESTEEM communicates. Information is\u00a0 shorter, clearer and less technical. Language is sensitive, and guidance for app\u2011based consent is easier to follow.<\/p>\n

Contributors also suggested myth\u2011busting FAQs, audio information and short videos to support understanding.<\/p>\n

The Impact: What Changed Because of Public Involvement?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because of public involvement:<\/p>\n