Patients and Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE)
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in research is research carried out with or by patients or members of the public rather than to, about or for them. This ensures that research is done with and for everyone.
At Keele Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), we are committed to involving patients and the public throughout the entire research process—from design and delivery to publication. We believe that this collaboration ensures our trials are more relevant, acceptable, and accessible to those who might participate.
PPIE is a fundamental part of our work. It helps us focus on the issues that matter most to people affected by specific health conditions and their treatments. The insights and feedback from patients and the public have been invaluable in shaping the development and successful delivery of the studies and trials we manage.
By working together, we aim to conduct research that truly meets the needs of our communities and improves health outcomes.
The iNSPIRE Community Lounge is a friendly and inclusive space that brings together people interested in health research with Keele CTU It provides an informal setting where community members can discover ongoing studies, share their perspectives, and actively contribute to shaping research that makes a real difference in their lives. Our goal is to promote collaboration, learning, and engagement to help improve health outcomes within the local community. The iNSPIRE Community Lounge meets on the last Wednesday of each month at Keele In Town, Newcastle Town Centre, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with hot drinks and biscuits served to keep the conversation flowing.
Curious to learn more? Join us to get involved and have your voice heard!
For more information, please see our leaflet or contact us using the details below.
Keele CTU is continually evolving, with a focus on expanding its community of research partners. Our goal is to advance high-quality, publicly informed research that brings real benefits to patients and communities in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire, and beyond. We have been working with a number of local groups including Support Staffordshire, Stoke City Community Trust and Port Vale Foundation Trust to engage with the community and increase awareness about health research. These partnerships help us ensure that the voices of local people are heard and incorporated into our work.
To stay updated on our latest activities and learn more about how we involve the community in research, visit our Facebook page.
At Keele CTU, we believe that patient and public involvement is key to meaningful health research. Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) play a vital role in providing patient perspectives on services, improving communication and encouraging patients to take more responsibility for their health.
We are keen to connect with PPGs across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. If your group would like to learn more about our research projects, how you can get involved, or discuss how research can benefit your community, we’d be happy to visit and speak at your next meeting.
Interested in having us present at your PPG meeting?
Please get in touch with us at ctu.inspire@keele.ac.uk. We look forward to collaborating with you!
If you’re interested in learning more about Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in research, you may find the following resources helpful.
We’ve also included a selection of articles and training opportunities that, while aimed at a broader audience or designed for researchers, offer valuable insights that may still be of interest to patients and the public.
- NIHR Race Equality Framework
- Improving inclusion of under-served groups in clinical research: Guidance from INCLUDE project
- Be part of research - Ways you can help health and care research
- NIHR - Resources and training for public involvement in research
- What is consent?
- Who decides what treatment I get? (randomisation)
- Is it safe to take part in a study? (safety in clinical studies)
This video explains what informed consent means and why it in important in clinical research to make sure that you have all the information you need to make a decision that’s right for you.
This video is also available in BSL, Panjabi, Polish and Romanian (please contact us to request an alternative version).
This video explains how people are put into different groups during a clinical study using a process called randomisation, and what this means for you.
This video is also available in BSL, Panjabi, Polish and Romanian (please contact us to request an alternative version).
This video explains how clinical studies are designed to keep participants as safe as possible, and the steps researchers take to make sure everything is done safely.
This video is also available in BSL, Panjabi, Polish and Romanian (please contact us to request an alternative version).
Contact us
If you are interested in learning more about health research and the latest developments at Keele Clinical Trials Unit, please contact us via email.
If you are a patient, family member, or carer interested in getting involved with Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), want to learn more about being a public contributor, or wish to be added to our distribution list for upcoming PPIE opportunities, we would love to hear from you.
For more information about us and our work, please visit our social media pages linked below.
