Patient & Public Involvement (PPI)

People get involved in research for different reasons. Some people have a special interest in a particular illness and wish to learn more as well as influence patient choice and treatment options.

“I am particularly pleased to be involved in this study because I believe that it is important for mental health research to focus on developing support for primary care clinicians, who are increasingly taking on the delivery of care to patients who would once only have been seen in the acute sector” (Sue, Public Contributor).

PPI is an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and develop your understanding of NHS research.

“I am not an academic but an elderly ordinary member of the public. I find the research work fascinating and appreciate the knowledge I gain from working with eminent Professors and Doctors” (Margaret, Public Contributor).

Anyone can get involved in Primary Care research in this way. You do not need any qualifications. People getting involved often report that it is a rewarding and positive experience.

“As a PPI participant I have found it rewarding to see my views both listened to and acted upon particularly in respect of a questionnaire for parents involved in the research project” (Kirsty, Public Contributor).

Research is about finding answers to questions regarding how we treat and manage conditions and illnesses in the Primary Care setting, making sure that what we consider to be the best approach is in fact the right choice. Primary Care is healthcare in the community that takes place outside hospitals.  

Primary Care Research Centre at the University of Southampton focuses on common illnesses and conditions which people often visit their GP or nurse about. Our Centre is one of nine Primary Care Research centres throughout England who work in partnership collaborating on many different Primary care studies. This partnership is known as the ‘NIHR School for Primary Care Research’.

Within our School, there are a variety of different opportunities for Public Contributor involvement.

“I have worked on many topics which include nursing care, depression, English and Chinese flower herbal remedies for Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections” (Margaret, Public Contributor).

The role of the Public Contributor differs from study to study. Some studies might only require a one-off task such as reading a patient information leaflet while others will require longer term commitment, for example working on a study from the very earliest design stages right through to publicising or sharing study results.

The ‘research cycle’ is a term, which is often used to describe the life cycle of a research study from the initial research idea through to communication and dissemination of the research findings. Researchers are encouraged to involve Public Contributors in each step of that research cycle.

We are a very friendly team led by Sonia Newman and Carolyn Asher (PPIE Officers) and supported by Dr Miriam Santer  (Professor in Primary Care Research). Our Primary Care lead Public Contributors are: Tressa Davey, Jean Hughes, John McGavin and Kate Sykes.

Find out more about how we're improving public involvement at the Primary Care Research Centre by reading our PPIE Strategy.

If you are interested in getting involved in our research or if you would like to become a Public Contributor you can register your interest by completing our Patient and Public Involvement Registration Form. Please also see our Welcome pack for patient and public involvement with the Primary Care Research Centre or you can contact Sonia and Carolyn at primarycareppie@soton.ac.uk.

For early support with your grant application including help to plan your PPI strategy, please contact: Heather Parsons - H.J.Parsons@soton.ac.uk and Megan Bawlow-Pay - m.s.barlow-pay@soton.a.uk PPI Officers at the Research Design Service (RDS) South Central. For advice or support with overall PPI strategy, best practice, resources and information for your funded project, please contact our PPIE Officers Sonia Newman and Carolyn Asher at primarycareppie@soton.ac.uk.