Implementing public involvement throughout the research process-Experience and learning from the GPs in EDs study.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)

Background:

• Public involvement in health services research is crucial but often poorly understood.
• Detailed descriptions of public involvement throughout the research cycle are uncommon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of public involvement in a large-scale, multi-site health services research study.
• To reflect on the process and effects of public involvement.
• To present learnings for future public involvement practices.

Main Methods:

• Recorded public involvement roles and activities, comparing them to the initial plan.
• Conducted a group interview with study co-applicants to explore their experiences.
• Transcribed interviews and performed thematic analysis to synthesize findings and develop recommendations.

Main Results:

• Public contributors were actively involved in data collection, analysis, and dissemination, exceeding initial expectations.
• Involvement led to improvements in patient recruitment, terminology clarification, and dissemination efforts.
• Effective involvement was facilitated by team commitment, clear support, relationship building, and mutual flexibility, though resource allocation and over-professionalization posed challenges.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully extended the planned public involvement approach, revealing specific and general benefits to the research process.
• Identified good practices for effective public involvement in health services research should be considered by study teams during planning and execution.