Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and the research process

This chapter defi nes and introduces the diff erent stages of the research process: from identifying a problem, to reviewing the literature; then developing a research question; designing a study; obtaining funding and ethical approval; recruiting participants; collecting and analysing data; and reporting and disseminating fi ndings. This chapter will outline how users of health services, their carers and family members, and other members of the public can be involved in these diff erent research stages, and demonstrate the impact that this involvement can have. Examples of diff erent ways of involving and engaging public members in research studies are drawn from the Enhancing the Quality of User-Involved Care Planning in Mental Health Services (EQUIP) research programme.