Evidence Library

Abstract: Aim: To explore researchers’ and patient and public involvement (PPI) contributors’ views of the impact of PPI within trials, and the factors likely to influence its impact. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 31 researchers and 17 PPI contributors from 28 randomised controlled trials. Findings/ recommendations: Over half the interviewees said involvement had made a difference to the trial or the trial team. In some cases, involvement made a difference to part of the trial, for example influencing the choice of outcome measures, or helping with recruitment. In other cases, it influenced the researchers’ thinking, having a more diffuse impact by keeping the team motivated and grounded. The factors that influenced whether involvement made a difference included: having clear plans and aims for PPI from the beginning; good relationships between researchers and PPI contributors; early involvement before seeking funding. Researchers who responded to funders’ requirements for PPI, tended to limit involvement to membership of the trial steering committee, where it rarely made a difference. This tends to reinforce those researchers’ views that involvement has no benefit.

External link: The following links will take you to information on this entry on an external website. INVOLVE is not responsible for the content or the reliability of the external websites. Click here

Related entry: none currently available

Categories: health
Designing research
impact on research
impact on researchers
impact of public involvement
journal article
Recruitment

Date Entered: 2015/07/30

Date Edited: 2015/07/30