What is it about?
PPI, or Patient Public Involvement, describes research being conducted with or by members of the public. The term has gained significant popularity in healthcare research in recent decades and represents a shift in the way research is conceived, designed and executed. The public contributors of PPI groups can include an extensive range of people, including patients, family members or carers, people from allied organisations, service users, and members of the general public who have an interest in research for other reasons.
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Why is it important?
Participants bring their unique perspectives and experiences that can help to shape and inform the research process. This type of involvement ensures that maternal health research is grounded in the needs and preferences of those it aims to serve and grows a sense of ownership and investment amongst those who use the services but also those who provide them. PPI is an essential element for all maternal health endeavours.
Perspectives
In the past research was conducted on or for members of the public. Proper PPI signals a critical change in the approach used especially in maternal health research where the involvement of a diverse range of people can change and enhance the quality, relevance and applications of research findings.
Prof. Edwin R van Teijlingen
Bournemouth University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The pregnant pause: Engaging and involving public contributors in maternal health research, Midwifery, March 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104279.
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