Getting involved in research
Information for patients and the public
Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in research is when research is carried out with or by members of the public.
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Researchers and clinicians may not have first-hand experience of the illness, disease or health condition that they wish to research.
This is why patient or public input can provide researchers with insights into what it is like to live with a particular disease, illness or health condition.
These insights can help to make health research more relevant to the needs of patients, carers and service users.
The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Patient and Public Advisory Group (PPAG) ensures that patients and members of the public are involved and embedded in all aspects of the research process at NHSBT.
PPIE is the bridge between NHS research and the person on the street. The concept aims to widen both parties' perspectives, marrying the two together.
Jill, blood donor and PPAG member
This group of patient and public representatives are an essential resource for NHSBT researchers to draw upon, to support them in developing and running research projects, sharing results and informing policy makers and the public.
The group was established to provide support and encourage NHSBT’s researchers to actively seek patient and public involvement and engagement in their research at all stages.
We advertise a wide variety of opportunities, and you can choose to do as much or as little as you like for one project or many.
PPAG has given me an opportunity to offer some personal experiences in order to enable relevant assistance in the development of future care for patients. And I consider it a privilege.
Trevor, heart transplant recipient and PPAG member
We advertise opportunities to the group via email as they come up. All adverts include a description of the project, related time frames and if it is on a paid or voluntary basis, so you will know ahead of time what's involved before putting yourself forward.
The support you are asked to provide may include, but is not limited to:
- Attending meetings, events or workshops online or in person to provide feedback and opinions
- Reviewing research documents from home and providing feedback
- Working closely with researchers to help manage research projects
- Helping researchers publicise research results at the end of a study
We understand that people's circumstances change, and if you need to leave a project early or not attend an event that is fine, all we ask is you try to give us as much notice as possible.
If you would like to join the NHSBT Patient and Public Advisory Group, please complete the registration form:
Complete the registration form
If you have any further questions, please contact us at PPAG.Research@nhsbt.nhs.uk