Evaluation of a patient and public involvement training programme for researchers at a large biomedical research centre in the UK

Abstract

ObjectivesTo design, deliver and evaluate a programme of training workshops for biomedical researchers aimed at building confidence and skills in actively involving patients and the public (PPI) in research.DesignA bespoke programme of training workshops in PPI aimed at researchers.SettingA large National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre in London and several partner organisations.Participants721 scientists, clinicians and research managers attending dedicated training in PPI at a major London NHS (National Health Service)–university partnership.InterventionsA programme of 72 training workshops, designed to build practical skills and confidence for researchers working with patients and the public in research, was delivered at a major research-active NHS:university partnership. An iterative approach was taken to the programme, with the content of the workshops continually reviewed and refreshed to respond to the needs of researchers. Surveys before, immediately following and 6 months after training investigated the impact on researchers’ confidence and skills in PPI work, and the kind of PPI they subsequently carried out.ResultsTraining brought about immediate marked increases in researchers’ self-reported confidence to carry out PPI activities within their research, and in their knowledge of good practice. The evaluation indicates that workshop attendees were more likely to involve patients in their research following training. Researchers tended to involve patients and the public in a range of areas, including input to study design and patient information, in particular.ConclusionsWhen positioned within a broader organisational strategy for PPI in research, such training has an important role to play in progressing PPI in a major research partnership. Training appeared to provide the confidence needed to carry out PPI which enabled further development of confidence and skills. Involving researchers who have attended the training in the ongoing development of the programme and bringing in patients to the training programme are key next steps.

The role of patient and public involvement in rapid qualitative studies: Can we carry out meaningful PPIE with time pressures?

“…However, training was not consistent across PPIE members; they did not seem to be offered training routinely or asked if they felt they would benefit from any training(21). We also found variation in the training on PPIE carried out by researchers and, even though other studies have demonstrated that training researchers on the practicalities of working with PPIE members has shown to increase confidence and likelihood of involving patients and the public in research(22) this is not always common practice, and the training did not include strategies for rapid research.…”

Codevelopment and usability testing of Patient Engagement 101: a Patient-Oriented Research Curriculum in Child Health e-learning module for health care professionals, researchers and trainees

“…In-person and online workshops have traditionally been a popular approach to providing support. [8][9][10]36,37 In the United Kingdom, a program of workshops to build confidence and skills, delivered at a large biomedical research centre, attracted more than 700 attendees across 72 workshops over 5 years. 10 Pre-and postworkshop surveys showed marked increases in attendees' understanding of, and confidence in, carrying out engagement activities.…”

“…[8][9][10]36,37 In the United Kingdom, a program of workshops to build confidence and skills, delivered at a large biomedical research centre, attracted more than 700 attendees across 72 workshops over 5 years. 10 Pre-and postworkshop surveys showed marked increases in attendees' understanding of, and confidence in, carrying out engagement activities. INNOVATE Research delivered a youth engagement capacity-building intervention by way of a 1-day workshop, run at 3 Canadian academic research institutions.…”

“…7 Tailored training for researchers has been associated with several benefits, including a deeper understanding of patientoriented research, improved awareness of relevant tools and strategies, and greater self-efficacy to engage patients and carry out specific engagement activities. [8][9][10] Although surveys of researchers show broad interest in patient engagementrelated training, several barriers, such as lack of time, unavailability of training opportunities and uncertainty regarding the relevance of patient engagement to their research, have been identified. 5 In addition, there is a need for resources that are pediatric-specific that address the complexities of patient engagement in a child health context.…”

The role of patient and public involvement in rapid qualitative studies: Can we carry out meaningful PPIE with time pressures?

“…We also found variation in the training on PPIE carried out by researchers and, this study identifies the need for training for both researchers and PPIE members which is common to all involvement in relation to increasing diversity, being responsive to PPIE members and the need for clearer guidelines [ 8 ]. Whilst other studies have demonstrated that training researchers on the practicalities of working with PPIE members has shown to increase confidence and likelihood of involving patients and the public in research [ 36 ] this is not always common practice, and the training did not include strategies for rapid research.…”