It’s official: patient involvement increases the likelihood of study success. Research from King’s College, London[1], found that studies which collaborated with service users were up to four times more likely to recruit successfully than those which only consulted them.
Researchers analysed 374 studies registered with the Mental Health Research Network - the largest database of UK mental health studies. They found better recruitment in studies where service users were involved in designing and running the research. These benefits increased with higher levels of involvement; such as having just one or two service users in the study team.
This new evidence for PPI bringing practical benefits is good news for researchers, funders and patients. Most researchers know that citing patient involvement will improve their chances of getting funding, but good intentions are not always carried through. The positive effect on recruitment of involving patients as partners at every stage of the research process may encourage real collaboration with service users, rather than a lip service approach. PPI can be hard work, but resources and support are available to ensure the experience is a positive one.
If you are a researcher or member of the public who wants to find out more or get involved, contact Geraldine Cooney Patient Public Involvement Research Co-ordinator at Bath Research and Development, Department for Health, University of Bath. Email g.cooney@bath.ac.uk. Website: http://www.bath.ac.uk/health/brd
[1] Ennis L and Wykes T. Impact of patient involvement in mental health research: longitudinal study. British Journal of Psychiatry (September 2013)