[What is PPI (Patient and Public Involvement)?]

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) refers to the active involvement of patients and the public as partners in medical research and clinical trials, rather than merely as research subjects or participants. It includes participation in research planning, study design, conduct, evaluation, and dissemination of findings. PPI has become an essential component of research governance in the UK, Europe, and the United States, but its implementation in Japan is still evolving. Initiatives led mainly by AMED and JCOG have emphasized the importance of meaningful patient involvement across all stages of the research process, beyond simple consultation. The Japanese Society of Hematology could play an important role in promoting PPI by incorporating patient perspectives into research, education, guideline development, and clinical practice. This would help advance patient-centered hematology research and improve the quality, relevance, and societal impact of hematologic care.