Working with public contributors in Parkinson's research: What were the changes, benefits and learnings? A critical reflection from the researcher and public contributor perspective

Lithander, Fiona E.; Tenison, Emma; Jones, David Ashford; Stocker, Sue; Hopewell‐Kelly, Noreen; Gibson, Andy; McGrath, Carmel

Abstract

Introduction: This paper provides a critical reflection from both the researcher and public contributor (PC) perspective on the benefits and the learnings taken from involving PCs in research related to Parkinson's. Approach toPatient and Public Involvement (PPI): This paper reports on how PCs shaped the design and development of the PRIME-UK research programme study materials through input into information leaflets, consent formsand other patient-facing documents used across three studies within the PRIME-UK research programme. The PRIME-UK research programme is designed to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson's and this project included three studies: a cross-sectional study, arandomised control trialand a qualitative study. We captured these impacts using Public Involvement Impact Logs, which provide a framework allowing researchers and PCs to report on the learnings, immediate outcomesand impacts fromPPI. For this project, the impact logs enabled us to provide reflections from PCs and researchers on the process of involving ‘the public’ in Parkinson's research. Findings: This paper builds on existing evidence of the range of benefits and challenges that emerge from working with patients and the public in Parkinson's research; this includes reflecting on the changes made to the study materials and benefits for the people involved. Four themes emerged from the reflections that were common to the researchers and PCs; these were the importance of providing a supportive environment; recognition of the benefit of the evaluation of the impact of PPI; acknowledgement that engagement of PPI can make a positive difference to the research processand that timely communication and the use of face-to-face communication, where available, is key. Furthermore, we demonstrate how impact logs provide a useful and straightforward tool for evaluating public involvement practices and supporting the feedback process. Conclusion: We offer key recommendations for involving patients and the public in Parkinson's research and suggest approaches that could be implemented to capture the impacts of public involvement. Public Contribution: Public contributors (PCs) were involved in the design and development of the participant information leaflets, consent formsand other patient-facing documents used for studies within the PRIME-UK research programme. In addition, PCs evaluated their involvement using impact logs and co-authored this paper.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 2, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 21, 2023
• Publication Date: Feb 28, 2024
• Deposit Date: Feb 7, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 8, 2024
• Journal: Health Expectations
• Print ISSN: 1369-6513
• Electronic ISSN: 1369-7625
• Publisher: Wiley Open Access
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: e13914
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13914
• Keywords: patient and public involvement, Public Involvement Impact Logs, recommendations, critical reflections, Parkinson's disease, impact of public involvement, feedback
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11462589