Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) is when patients, carers, service users and members of the public work in partnership with researchers to shape and influence research. The Health and Social Care Research and Development Division is pleased to announce the publication of the final report from the Involvement Matters project, a regional initiative delivered in partnership with the James Lind Alliance (JLA) to develop priorities for action to strengthen PPI in Health and Social Care research across Northern Ireland.
The project is the first exercise of its kind in Northern Ireland and brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, researchers, clinicians, and community and voluntary organisations. Through a co-produced regional survey, and knowledge exchange workshop, the project sought to better understand current experiences of PPI and identify priorities for strengthening involvement in the future.
A total of 249 people completed the survey, representing opinions from across Northern Ireland. The survey responses are summarized in the project’s interim report. Overall, the project identified fourteen priorities for action aimed at strengthening PPI in Health and Social Care research. These priorities reflect a shared commitment to improving awareness, training, inclusion, leadership and opportunities for collaboration and shared learning across the research community.
Importantly, the report emphasises that strengthening PPI is a collective responsibility and that meaningful change will require continued partnership between researchers, people who get involved in research, funders, universities and the community and voluntary sector.
Reflecting on the project, PIER member, Margaret Grayson said
"The Involvement Matters project has provided an important opportunity to listen to a wide range of people across Northern Ireland. The project has highlighted the benefit of co-production and working together, but it is only the beginning. We look forward to working with partners across the research community to translate these priorities into action and continue building a culture where involvement is recognised as fundamental to high-quality research."
Health and Social Care Research and Development Division would like to thank everyone who contributed their time, experience and expertise throughout the project. Together, we can continue to strengthen PPI in Health and Social Care research across Northern Ireland.
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The full Involvement Matters report can be read here
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A summary report highlighting the key findings and recommendations can be read here
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The priorities for action identified through the project can be read here