Public involvement in research is research carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them (NIHR).
Public involvement is where patients, carers and people from communities and organisations are partners in research projects and research organisations.
Members of the public can get involved in research in different ways:
- As a co-applicant on a research project team
- Identifying topics for research that are important to patients
- Being part of a project management group to help make decisions about research
- Working with researchers to design research projects that are acceptable to patients
- Making sure any patient-facing documents are clear and easy to understand
- Sharing results of the research with different groups and communities
- Helping ensure the results of research improve the way health and care is delivered