There is now more than ever a greater commitment to the importance and contribution of patient and public involvement in research. Most funding bodies require and will expect you to demonstrate how you will actively involve patients throughout the cycle of your research

INVOLVE defines public involvement in research as research being carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them.

Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) in research is considered to be the formation of an active partnership between patients, carers and/or the public and is an integral component of the whole research cycle.  Here are some of the ways patients, carers and members of the public can be involved:

Identifying and prioritising research topics

Developing a grant application alongside professionals

Designing and managing research

Undertaking the research

Analysing research data

Disseminating research findings