The review revealed the most common stage for PPI was in research planning , and the most common level of involvement was collaboration .
Most studies did not provide evidence of effectiveness or elaborate on the impact of PPI , and they tended to report impact from the research er 's perspective .
Where impact was mentioned , this generally related to increased relevance to the community , empowerment of participants and alterations in study design .
OBJECTIVES Patient and public involvement ( PPI ) is argued to lead to higher quality health research , which is more relatable to and helps empower the public .
We synthesis ed the evidence to look for examples of PPI in health research in low/middle-income countries ( LMICs ) , looking at levels of involvement and impact .
Additionally , we considered the impact of who was undertaking the research on the level of involvement and reported impact .
“Losing the tombola”: a case study describing the use of community consultation in designing the study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a mental health intervention in two conflict-affected regions
Background Community consultation is increasingly recommended , and in some cases , required by ethical review boards for research that involves higher levels of ethical risk such as international research and research with vulnerable population s. In design ing a r and omised control trial of a mental health intervention using a wait list control , we consulted the community where the research would be undertaken prior to finalising the study protocol . The study sites were two conflict-affected locations : Grozny in the Chechen Republic and Kitchanga in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo . Methods Group discussion s with a range of community members were held in both study sites . Facilitators used a prepared set of questions to guide the discussion s and to solicit feedback on the value of the research as well as on the study design . Specific questions were asked about enablers and barriers to participation in the research . Results Six groups were held in Grozny and thirteen in Kitchanga . The majority of individuals and groups consulted supported the research , and understood the purpose . In Grozny , the main concern raised was the length of the waiting period . Barriers to both waiting and returning for follow up were identified . In Kitchanga , there was a strong reaction against the wait list control and against r and omisation . The consultations provided information on unanticipated harms to the community , allowing changes to the study design to mitigate these harms and increase acceptability of the study . It also served to inform the community of the study , and through engaging with them early , helped promote legitimacy and joint responsibility . Conclusion Community consultation prior to finalising the study design for a mental health intervention trial in two humanitarian setting s proved feasible . Our experience reinforces the importance of community consultation before the study design is finalised and the importance of broad consultation that includes both community leaders and the potential study participants
The review revealed the most common stage for PPI was in research planning , and the most common level of involvement was collaboration .
Most studies did not provide evidence of effectiveness or elaborate on the impact of PPI , and they tended to report impact from the research er 's perspective .
Where impact was mentioned , this generally related to increased relevance to the community , empowerment of participants and alterations in study design .
OBJECTIVES Patient and public involvement ( PPI ) is argued to lead to higher quality health research , which is more relatable to and helps empower the public .
We synthesis ed the evidence to look for examples of PPI in health research in low/middle-income countries ( LMICs ) , looking at levels of involvement and impact .
Additionally , we considered the impact of who was undertaking the research on the level of involvement and reported impact .