Perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical spinal cord research: An interview study

Abstract Introduction Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research is an embedded practice in clinical research, however, its role in preclinical or laboratory‐based research is less well established and presents specific challenges. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of two key stakeh...

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Main Authors: Pádraig Carroll, Éimear Smith, Adrian Dervan, Ciarán McCarthy, Cliff Beirne, John Quinlan, Geoff Harte, Dónal O'Flynn, Fergal J. O'Brien, Frank Moriarty, Michelle Flood
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-02-01
Series:Health Expectations
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13967
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author Pádraig Carroll
Éimear Smith
Adrian Dervan
Ciarán McCarthy
Cliff Beirne
John Quinlan
Geoff Harte
Dónal O'Flynn
Fergal J. O'Brien
Frank Moriarty
Michelle Flood
author_facet Pádraig Carroll
Éimear Smith
Adrian Dervan
Ciarán McCarthy
Cliff Beirne
John Quinlan
Geoff Harte
Dónal O'Flynn
Fergal J. O'Brien
Frank Moriarty
Michelle Flood
author_sort Pádraig Carroll
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research is an embedded practice in clinical research, however, its role in preclinical or laboratory‐based research is less well established and presents specific challenges. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of two key stakeholder groups, preclinical researchers and clinicians on PPI in preclinical research, using spinal cord research as a case study. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted online with 11 clinicians and 11 preclinical researchers all working in the area of spinal cord injury (SCI). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Findings Nine themes were developed through analysis. Participants' perspectives included that people living with SCI had a right to be involved, that PPI can improve the relevance of preclinical research, and that PPI can positively impact the experiences of researchers. They identified the distance between lab‐based research and the daily experiences of living with SCI to be a barrier and proactive management of accessibility and the motivated and networked SCI community as key facilitators. To develop strong partnerships, participants suggested setting clear expectations, ensuring good communication, and demonstrating respect for the time of PPI contributors involved in the research. Conclusions While traditionally PPI has been more commonly associated with clinical research, participants identified several potential benefits of PPI in preclinical spinal cord research that have applicability to preclinical researchers more broadly. Preclinical spinal researchers should explore how to include PPI in their work. Patient or Public Contribution This study was conducted as part of a broader project aiming to develop an evidence base for preclinical PPI that draws on a 5‐year preclinical research programme focused on the development of advanced biomaterials for spinal cord repair as a case study. A PPI Advisory Panel comprising seriously injured rugby players, clinicians, preclinical researchers, and PPI facilitators collaborated as co‐authors on the conceptualisation, design of the interview protocol, data analysis and writing of this manuscript.
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spelling doaj-art-cd673c58f26a4e558fa85bf16c39f3d22025-08-23T11:53:05ZengWileyHealth Expectations1369-65131369-76252024-02-01271n/an/a10.1111/hex.13967Perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical spinal cord research: An interview studyPádraig Carroll0Éimear Smith1Adrian Dervan2Ciarán McCarthy3Cliff Beirne4John Quinlan5Geoff Harte6Dónal O'Flynn7Fergal J. O'Brien8Frank Moriarty9Michelle Flood10School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dublin IrelandNational Rehabilitation Hospital Dublin IrelandTissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dublin Irelandc/o Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust Dublin IrelandSports Surgery Clinic Santry Dublin IrelandTallaght University Hospital, Tallaght Dublin Irelandc/o Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust Dublin Irelandc/o Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust Dublin IrelandTissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dublin IrelandSchool of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dublin IrelandSchool of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dublin IrelandAbstract Introduction Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research is an embedded practice in clinical research, however, its role in preclinical or laboratory‐based research is less well established and presents specific challenges. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of two key stakeholder groups, preclinical researchers and clinicians on PPI in preclinical research, using spinal cord research as a case study. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted online with 11 clinicians and 11 preclinical researchers all working in the area of spinal cord injury (SCI). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Findings Nine themes were developed through analysis. Participants' perspectives included that people living with SCI had a right to be involved, that PPI can improve the relevance of preclinical research, and that PPI can positively impact the experiences of researchers. They identified the distance between lab‐based research and the daily experiences of living with SCI to be a barrier and proactive management of accessibility and the motivated and networked SCI community as key facilitators. To develop strong partnerships, participants suggested setting clear expectations, ensuring good communication, and demonstrating respect for the time of PPI contributors involved in the research. Conclusions While traditionally PPI has been more commonly associated with clinical research, participants identified several potential benefits of PPI in preclinical spinal cord research that have applicability to preclinical researchers more broadly. Preclinical spinal researchers should explore how to include PPI in their work. Patient or Public Contribution This study was conducted as part of a broader project aiming to develop an evidence base for preclinical PPI that draws on a 5‐year preclinical research programme focused on the development of advanced biomaterials for spinal cord repair as a case study. A PPI Advisory Panel comprising seriously injured rugby players, clinicians, preclinical researchers, and PPI facilitators collaborated as co‐authors on the conceptualisation, design of the interview protocol, data analysis and writing of this manuscript.https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13967laboratory researchpatient and public engagementpatient and public involvementpreclinical researchspinal cord injuryspinal cord repair
spellingShingle Pádraig Carroll
Éimear Smith
Adrian Dervan
Ciarán McCarthy
Cliff Beirne
John Quinlan
Geoff Harte
Dónal O'Flynn
Fergal J. O'Brien
Frank Moriarty
Michelle Flood
Perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical spinal cord research: An interview study
Health Expectations
laboratory research
patient and public engagement
patient and public involvement
preclinical research
spinal cord injury
spinal cord repair
title Perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical spinal cord research: An interview study
title_full Perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical spinal cord research: An interview study
title_fullStr Perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical spinal cord research: An interview study
title_full_unstemmed Perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical spinal cord research: An interview study
title_short Perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical spinal cord research: An interview study
title_sort perspectives of researchers and clinicians on patient and public involvement ppi in preclinical spinal cord research an interview study
topic laboratory research
patient and public engagement
patient and public involvement
preclinical research
spinal cord injury
spinal cord repair
url https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13967
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