Research is at its best when it is shaped by the people it aims to benefit. Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) allows members of the public to work alongside researchers, helping to ensure that research addresses real-world priorities, experiences and needs.
You do not need any previous experience of research to get involved. Whether you are a patient, carer, service user, community member or simply interested in improving health and care services, there are many ways you can contribute. Your knowledge, experiences and perspectives can help researchers design better studies, improve how research is carried out and make sure findings have a meaningful impact.
This page outlines the different opportunities available to get involved with research through ARC South West and how you can take part.
How to get involved
To get involved you don’t need any medical experience or specialist knowledge. All you need is an interest in health and social care research, some time to spare and a willingness to share your thoughts and experiences with us.
The NIHR have produced a really useful starting out guide called ‘Why and how to get involved in research’. It has been written to help and advise members of the public who would like to get involved, or have recently become involved in research. You can find key information and principles about getting involved in research, whatever your experience or prior knowledge. Read the guide here.
Peninsula Public Engagement Group (PenPEG)
PenPEG (formerly known as the Peninsula Public Involvement Group, PenPIG) is a group of patients, service users and carers who volunteer their valuable time to make sure our research is relevant to the needs of the community.
As well as being involved in research, PenPEG are involved in a wide range of activities related to the running and work of ARC South West. They help us to recruit new staff, are co-applicants on projects, advise on both projects and internal matters, support user involvement in on-going research projects, attend ARC Management Board meetings, present at conferences and train new medical students.
Find out more about PenPEG here.