Public and Patient Involvement

Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) has been described as research being carried out with or by members of the public rather than to, about, or for them. This approach to research is encouraged as it is felt that those affected by research should have a say in how it is carried out . There is also evolving evidence that PPI can increase the rate of recruitment to research and improve its quality and impact. The Exercise Oncology Research Group values a PPI approach to research and accordingly has embedded a number of PPI strategies in our current research portfolio including the inclusion of patient collaborators, patient led support for research participants, and involving patients and members of the public in the development of trial documentation.

Of note as part of the HRB-DIFA ReStOre II trial the group will undertake a Study Within a Trial (SWAT) in which we will examine the impact of patient and family co-developed participant information on recruitment, retention and understanding of the trial. The SWAT is supported by the Health Research Board Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN) and is aligned with the HRB TMRN, PRioRiTy I question 16, does involvement of (i) members of the public and/or (ii) members of the public participating in a randomised trial, in designing trial information improve recruitment?
If you are a patient or family member and are interested in getting involved in our PPI programme we would be delighted to hear from you. You can contact us on exerciseoncology@tcd.ie.