For the public

Understanding research 

• A research handbook for patients and the public (EQUIP Study) 
• Navigating Digital Health: A guide to data and artificial intelligence in healthcare (Imperial College, London) 

Becoming a co-applicant

For some studies you might be asked to become a public co-applicant. A co-applicant is involved in the development of the grant application and has some responsibility for the management and/or delivery of the study. This role requires more commitment compared to most other involvement activities and often experienced public contributors are approached for this role. The below guidance may help you to find out more about, and navigate, the co-applicant role. 

• Guidance on the roles and responsibilities of public co-applicants in research (NIHR)

Becoming a co-researcher

• A guide for co-researchers working on co-produced projects (University of York) 

Virtual involvement 

The School has produced "how to use" guides for software which might be used to enable virtual involvement. The guides will explain, making use of screenshots, how to join in meetings and participate with their most common features.

• How to use Zoom (for computers)
• How to use Zoom (for mobile devices - Android)
• How to use Microsoft Teams (for computers)
• How to use Microsoft Teams (for mobile devices - Android)

Together with partner NIHR organisations, the SPCR has produced an information flyer on virtual involvement, focusing on video calling. The flyer gives you more information on software you might come across and tips and tricks derived from experienced public contributors and PPI coordinators. The flyer can be downloaded here.

There are no prerequisites to become a public contributor for primary care research beyond having an interest in primary care research.

Each of the School’s members has a local PPI lead who will be able to support you and make you aware of any local training opportunities. However, there are also several online training modules which can help you strengthen your skills and knowledge related to public involvement. 

Public involvement: 

• Public Involvement in Research (Imperial College, London) 
• Patient and Public Involvement Training focusing on involvement in Health Data Research (Crohn's and Colitis UK) 

Research methods and processes: 

• Why Experience Matters: Qualitative Research (Griffith University, Deakin University) 

• The European Patients' Academy have an online Open Classroom with modules related to learning more about medical research. They also offer a Patient Expert Training Programme each year for members of the public wanting to learn more about medicine development. 

Reviewing funding applications:

• An interactive course for new and experienced public reviewers of health and social care research (NIHR)

Other training and development opportunities: 

• European Patient Ambassador Programme (EPAP) aimed to help strengthen the skills of members of the public to be patient/public representatives. It covers topics varying from involvement with research and development to working with the media and improving public awareness.

Primary Care is healthcare in the community - everything from GPs to Pharmacists, Optometrists to Dentists. At the School of Primary Care Research we aim to gather evidence to help decide what will make primary care better for everyone.

The School does this through funding high-quality research into what works, what does not, and what could work in the future. Since our goal is improving care for everyone, it is best that everyone is involved.

How to get involved? 

There are no prerequisites to become a public contributor, though some studies might require their contributor to have lived experience of a certain condition.

If you are interested in becoming a public contributor for primary care research, you can get in touch with each of the SPCR members to find out more and express your interest in being involved.

• University of Bristol 
• University of Exeter 
• Keele University
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• University of Oxford 
• University of Southampton 
• University College London 

You can also get in touch with the local PPI coordinator from one of our member universities.