Background
Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) actively engages patients, caregivers, and the public in health research to ensure studies are relevant to their needs and desired outcomes. Despite its growing importance, there is limited evidence on the measurable impact of PPI. This project, a collaboration between UCC’s School of Pharmacy and Department of General Practice, aims to develop a toolkit to evaluate the processes, impacts, and outcomes of PPI within their Patient and Public Partnership (PPP). The toolkit seeks to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of PPI practices while motivating continued public involvement through evidence of impact.
Methods
The project follows a three-phase approach with bi-weekly engagement from PPP members to ensure collaboration. The phases include: 1. Process Map Development: Structured discussions with PPP members to create a descriptive and graphical overview of forming and maintaining the partnership. 2. Structured Literature Review: Systematic analysis of existing PPI evaluation frameworks to identify best practices, gaps, and methodological approaches. 3. Toolkit Development: Co-creation of a process, impact, and outcome evaluation toolkit informed by phases 1 and 2. The toolkit includes a protocol, GANTT chart, an interview topic guide, and surveys.
Qualitative data from discussions and literature reviews will be thematically analysed, with insights validated through PPP feedback to ensure relevance.
Results
The project will produce a process map, an evaluation protocol, and study materials compiled into a comprehensive toolkit. Key outputs include a co-developed peer-reviewed publication, a plain-English report, and conference abstracts.
Conclusion
This project enhances PPI practices by providing a robust evaluation framework, ensuring long-term sustainability and effectiveness of patient and public partnerships. By fostering collaboration and addressing the need for impact evidence, the toolkit supports meaningful, patient-centered research and informs strategies for improving health research quality.