Patients and the Public

What is PPIEP?

Patient and Public Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PPIEP) is important in improving both the quality and relevance of research delivered. PPIEP is one of the Trauma MIC’s themes (focus of work) and is led by Dr Margaret O’Hara. The Trauma MIC uses the following terms to distinguish between the different PPIEP-oriented activities:

The public includes:

  • Patients and potential patients.
  • Carers and family members
  • People who use health and social care services.
  • People from communities and organisations who use services.
  • People with lived experience of one or more health conditions, whether they’re current patients or not.

Public Involvement

Public involvement is research carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public (PPI contributors). The public works in partnership with researchers and industry, using the public’s experience and opinions to make research more relevant and useful. Involvement is not the same as taking part in a clinical study or trial, but is about PPI contributors being part of the research team. PPI contributors are not expected to have research knowledge or experience, instead personal experiences of their own care, or care of others, is of huge benefit.

TrABC PPIE Group

The Trauma MIC co-host the Trauma, Accident, Burns and Critical Care (TrABC) PPIE Group with the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (NIHR SRMRC). PPI contributors include current/ previous patients (trauma, burns, and critical care), their families and members of the public. This is a great opportunity for PPI contributors to work in partnership with clinicians, researchers and industry, so that the patients and public shape research at every stage.

The Trauma MIC works to guidelines set by our funder, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and aligns to the UK Standards for Public Involvement. We aim to adopt PPIEP into all elements of our work.

Getting Involved

If you are a member of the public and wish to become involved with the TrABC PPIE group please email l.nice@bham.ac.uk. For other opportunities, please check the NIHR People in Research webpage and for more information please check the NIHR website.

If you are from industry, a researcher or clinician and would like to work with us and involve patients and the public please email TraumaMIC@uhb.nhs.uk. Additionally, if you would like to discuss research with the TrABC PPI Group please email emily.brush@uhb.nhs.uk or l.nice@bham.ac.uk.

If you wish to learn more please check the NIHR website for more guidance.