Involvement of underserved 18-40 year olds living with early-onset type 2 diabetes in the M3 NIHR programme grant

The M3 Research Programme is funded by an NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research (NIHR201165), and aims to develop and test the effectiveness of an innovative multifactorial management intervention to address multimorbidity in young adults (aged 18-40 years) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes ('early-onset type 2 diabetes'). We reflected on the involvement of young adults, who in some cases additionally experienced intersectional exclusion.

Reflective discussion groups were conducted with research personnel and public contributors, and a collaborative online forum was used to further provide opportunity for public contributors to share their thoughts.

Themes drawn from the reflections and online forum aligned well with the NIHR UK Standards for Public Involvement.

Tips for good practice in public involvement of young adults were derived. (1) Build collaborative team culture. (2) Open and honest reflective communication. (3) Communicate team responsibilities clearly. (4) Plan involvement with public contributors. (5) Embed public involvement early in the project. (6) Assess resource requirements realistically. (7) Gain support and engagement from clinical teams. (8) Be flexible, offering a range of ways to get involved. (9) Include contingency and risk planning as part of public involvement planning. (10) Provide training in public involvement, cultural competence, and contingency and risk planning. (11) Develop policies and procedures that support public involvement. The reflection also afforded some insight into facilitators of academic engagement in delivery of public involvement activities.