Public Involvement

Involving members of the public in the design and management of your research will improve its quality and relevance.

When using the term ‘public’ we include patients, potential patients, carers and people who use health and social care services as well as people from specific communities and from organisations that represent people who use services. Also included are people with lived experience of one or more health conditions, whether they’re current patients or not.

Involvement

• Significant and active involvement of patients and the public in the project at all stages
• Public involvement has been shown to be research being carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them
• Use of relevant patient/user groups
• Clearly defined input
• Support and input into the writing of the plain English summary
• Consideration has been made on how to make involvement opportunities inclusive for all pubic contributors
• Helping to ensure that the research is focused, patient-centered and relevant to the needs of the public

Here are examples of how members of the public might get involved in research:

• As joint grant holders or co-applicants on a research project
• Identifying research priorities
• As members of a project advisory or steering group
• Commenting on and developing patient information leaflets or other research materials
• Undertaking interviews with research participants
• Carrying out research as user and/or carer researchers

Engagement

Where information and knowledge about research is provided and disseminated.

• Science festivals open to the public with debates and discussions on research
• Awareness of research through media such as television, radio, newspapers and social media
• Dissemination of project outcomes to research participants and members of the public

Participation

Where people actively take part in a research study.

• Recruited into clinical trials or other research studies
• Completing questionnaires
• Participating in research focus groups

Briefing notes for researchers - public involvement in NHS, health and social care research

Public co-Applicants in research – guidance on roles and responsibilities

Public Involvement Planning Tool - NIHR Newcastle IVD Co-operative

Public Involvement - Project Planning