PARTNER: A Toolbox for Patient and Public Involvement Governance Within Health Professions Education Research

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education Research
• Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Governance

Background:

• Effective patient and public involvement (PPI) is crucial for health professions education research.
• Limited accessible guidance exists for establishing robust PPI governance structures.
• Governance ensures PPI is fair, purposeful, and sustainable, encompassing logistics, principles, and expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the PARTNER framework, a practical approach to PPI governance in health professions education research.
• To provide accessible guidance for researchers to establish and maintain meaningful and sustainable PPI.
• To equip novice and developing researchers with tools to navigate PPI governance confidently.

Main Methods:

• Development of the PARTNER framework by the NIHR-funded Workforce Voices Partnership.
• Drawing on collective experience from academics, operations staff, and public contributors.
• Structuring the framework around seven key areas of governance.

Main Results:

• The PARTNER framework addresses seven critical areas: payment/recognition, agreement, roles/responsibilities, training/support, networking, equity in recruitment/membership, and review/evaluation/feedback.
• Each area is linked to practical tools, templates, and tips for adaptation.
• The framework aims to build confidence in researchers managing PPI.

Conclusions:

• The PARTNER framework offers a structured approach to PPI governance, enhancing meaningful engagement in health professions education research.
• It provides practical resources to support researchers in implementing effective PPI strategies.
• Implementing the PARTNER framework promotes confident and effective PPI, leading to improved research quality and impact.