Dr Toby Ellmers – Meaningful patient and public involvement and engagement in research

NIHR defines PPIE as an active partnership whereby research is carried out with or by members of the public rather than to, about, or for them. Toby’s talk busted common PPIE myths including its confusion with participation in research, its perceived lack of relevance to basic research, and the view that it’s a tick box exercise for securing funding.  

Toby took a deep dive into the separate involvement and engagement elements and how researchers can do both. He explained what each can be used for, the benefits, as well as practical suggestions for researchers to try. While it can be harder for those working in basic research to embed PPIE, Toby gave recommendations for what researchers can do if they don’t have easy access to patient populations. Lastly, he ran through a number of case studies including a “speed dating” event which helped basic scientists researching Parkinson’s to understand what’s important to those living with the disease and how the Brunel Older Person’s Reference Group was brought together.