Article type
Abstract
"Background
There is growing emphasis on incorporating Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) into doctoral research due to its potential to reduce research waste by targeting research to service-user needs. PPI can increase the relevance, quality, and dissemination of research. Involving the public and patients in research means the people who are affected by the issue being studied can directly influence the research that is being carried out. As a result, the research should be more relevant and sensitive to their needs.
Objectives
This study aimed to describe the integration of PPI within a PhD project, and document key turning points within the programme of research.
Methods
The PhD project in question focused on investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital care of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). This mixed-methods project consisted of five studies, including a systematic review. PPI was integrated into the project across all studies from co-development of the research question to dissemination of findings. EB recruited a PPI panel of stroke/TIA survivors and caregivers, and also worked with members of an existing stroke support group. EB met with the majority of the group on an online conference platform and interacted with other members over the phone and by email. PPI activities spanned the research cycle, including research question generation, assistance with study design and materials, recruitment methods, data analysis, and co-development of lay summaries.
Results
The PPI panel formed by EB included : 7 stroke survivors, 2 TIA survivors and 4 family members of stroke/TIA survivors. The panel from the stroke support group included 5 stroke survivors. Three key turning points influenced by PPI contributors were identified: 1) the research direction shifted through co-development of the overall research question ; 2) stroke and TIA survivors were included as participants within studies which were previously healthcare professional focused ; 3) recommendations surrounding terminology and language were made which were then included throughout the project and its dissemination.
Conclusions
PPI made valuable contributions to this doctoral research. The inclusion of PPI ensured the research was informed by the lived experience of stroke, accessible and patient centred.
"
There is growing emphasis on incorporating Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) into doctoral research due to its potential to reduce research waste by targeting research to service-user needs. PPI can increase the relevance, quality, and dissemination of research. Involving the public and patients in research means the people who are affected by the issue being studied can directly influence the research that is being carried out. As a result, the research should be more relevant and sensitive to their needs.
Objectives
This study aimed to describe the integration of PPI within a PhD project, and document key turning points within the programme of research.
Methods
The PhD project in question focused on investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital care of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). This mixed-methods project consisted of five studies, including a systematic review. PPI was integrated into the project across all studies from co-development of the research question to dissemination of findings. EB recruited a PPI panel of stroke/TIA survivors and caregivers, and also worked with members of an existing stroke support group. EB met with the majority of the group on an online conference platform and interacted with other members over the phone and by email. PPI activities spanned the research cycle, including research question generation, assistance with study design and materials, recruitment methods, data analysis, and co-development of lay summaries.
Results
The PPI panel formed by EB included : 7 stroke survivors, 2 TIA survivors and 4 family members of stroke/TIA survivors. The panel from the stroke support group included 5 stroke survivors. Three key turning points influenced by PPI contributors were identified: 1) the research direction shifted through co-development of the overall research question ; 2) stroke and TIA survivors were included as participants within studies which were previously healthcare professional focused ; 3) recommendations surrounding terminology and language were made which were then included throughout the project and its dissemination.
Conclusions
PPI made valuable contributions to this doctoral research. The inclusion of PPI ensured the research was informed by the lived experience of stroke, accessible and patient centred.
"