Patient and public involvement

What is PPI?

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is an approach to research involving the active participation of patients, carers, and the wider public in healthcare decision-making, research, service design, and policy development. It ensures that those most affected by research outcomes—the patients and the public—are actively involved in shaping its direction, goals, and delivery.

PPI isn’t just a process—it’s a philosophy that transforms research into a force for good. At Heriot-Watt University, we collaborate with patients and the public to co-create knowledge that makes a difference.

PPI can occur in various formats, from consultations and focus groups to more formal and ongoing roles on decision-making panels and steering committees. Such involvement is crucial in creating research outcomes that truly meet the needs of those they serve.

Why PPI?

Fresh perspectives lead to better ideas. When patients and the public are engaged in research, they bring insights that researchers may not have considered. This collaboration improves the quality and impact of our work, ensuring it’s robust, inclusive, and innovative.

Engaged communities are powerful allies. Patients and the public help us share research findings in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. This partnership accelerates the adoption of new ideas, policies, and practices, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

We know that research can seem distant or inaccessible to the public – and we want to change that. By involving people directly, PPIE fosters trust and understanding. It breaks down barriers, making research more open, relatable, and inclusive.

We know that no two experiences are the same. PPIE brings the voices of underrepresented groups into research, helping to tackle inequality and promote fairness. It ensures everyone has a chance to shape the future of healthcare and beyond.

Given the unprecedented acceleration in technology, such as developments in quantum technology and artificial intelligence, groups such as older adults and neurodiverse individuals must be consulted in these and other areas to ensure that the products or services created are user-friendly.

Our approach to PPI

At Heriot-Watt University we have demonstrable excellence in applied, industry-relevant research in engineering, business, and the sciences. Through the research in our National Robotarium and Institute for Health and Care Technologies, we are at the forefront of a revolution in how we tackle the leading issues in health care, influenced mainly by advances that mean we are living healthier and longer lives.

Through our PPIE programmes, we aim to collaborate with a wide range of patients and publics, giving individuals a say in research that affects their health and wellbeing. It’s not just about consultation; it’s about genuine partnership, where communities and researchers work together to create solutions. At Heriot-Watt University, we aim is to involve the public as early as possible in the research process. We ensure everyone participating in PPIE activity is fully reimbursed in line with National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) guidelines.

Central to our PPI programmes at Heriot-Watt University is our Citizens Advisory Network, a collaborative initiative developed to involve patients and the public in health and care technologies research. For more information, please reach out to our PPI Specialists.