Getting involved as a public contributor

We work with patients, potential patients, carers, people who use health services, interested members of the public and people from organisations that represent people who use services, such as charities. We call people who help us in this way PPI contributors.

How do we involve PPI contributors in our research?

When we talk about involvement we are not talking about participation in clinical trials. We mean helping to guide and shape research, working with researchers in different ways. This could be to prioritise topics for research, offer advice as members of a project steering group, or comment on and develop research materials - but there are lots of other ways to get involved too.

PPI contributors provide a different way of looking at things that can ground the discussion in practical experience. Some of the ways that PPI contributors make a difference to health research are by:

• helping to decide if the research proposal is relevant to the needs of the patients
• helping to increase accessibility to studies
• helping ensure that patient information leaflets are clear and understandable
• including the patient's perspective in research funding applications

You can sign up here to receive emails about opportunities to get involved, or contact ppi@phc.ox.ac.uk if you have any questions.

We need you! 

We work closely with patients and the public, GPs, researchers and other health professionals to make sure our research is relevant and improves healthcare in the areas of greatest need. You can help us achieve our mission, whether you join one of our patient and public involvement panels, and share your experiences of health to help others.

Read our welcome guide to find out more!