Public Involvement in Research at NPEU
What is public involvement in our research?
Public involvement means members of the public being part of the research team, or working alongside the research team to help with the research. This is sometimes called 'Patient and Public Involvement' or PPI for short. People who get involved are 'public contributors'.
What do public contributors do?
Public contributors help us make our research better by sharing their views and experiences. Their unique contribution comes from personal knowledge of the issue being researched.
Public contributors can:
- Help us make sure we ask the right research questions
- Help us apply for money to do the research
- Give advice as part of a project steering group for the research
- Make sure leaflets for people taking part in the research are clear and easy to understand
- Help us to understand what the results of the research mean
- Help us to explain the results of the research to the public and policy makers.
“I've really enjoyed sharing my experience and advice, which has been sought at each part of the process… I can see clearly how my perspective has been listened to and put into action."
Heather, Public contributor
How much time does it take?
Some public contributors take part in a one-off event, for example a focus group. Other public contributors stay involved throughout a research study that may take several years.
Who can get involved?
Our public contributors can be:
- Parents or carers who have experienced pregnancy, looked after a baby, or sadly lost a baby
- People who have had physical or mental health conditions or additional needs, during or after pregnancy
- Parents of babies with health conditions or additional needs
- People working in support roles, such as staff or volunteers with charities and community groups that help during pregnancy and early parenthood.
We are committed to diversity, and encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to get involved.
Why does public involvement matter?
Public involvement makes our research more relevant and useful. That means our research has the best chance of helping to improve maternity and neonatal care for parents and babies in the future.
Huge thanks to everyone who gets involved!
