Public Involvement in Research Group (PIRG)
Overview
Public and service user involvement in the NHS and care services has become increasingly important. In health research it is recognised that members of the public, patients and carers play a significant role.
Public involvement in research gives researchers and academics the chance to work with:
- patients
- carers
- the public
Lay people, service users, academics and researchers have much to learn from each other and through working together we can ensure that research is relevant and answers key questions effectively.
Keeping service users in mind
The Public Involvement in Research Group (PIRG) was established by CRIPACC in 2005.
Its work is varied but most importantly the group collaborates with researchers to bring a lay perspective to studies and keep them grounded and in touch with patient and public perspectives.
PIRG reflects a ‘hub and spoke’ approach to membership and involvement. The 'hub' acts as a permanent centralised group with a core volunteer membership.
The 'spokes' utilise:
- local users
- research groups
- networks
These members increase diversity and participation when and where appropriate. The group is facilitated by Patricia Wilson and coordinated by Elaine McNeilly.
Public involvement in research
Are you a researcher looking for public involvement in your research?
Our group members have a variety of backgrounds and experience and are happy to be involved in a range of health related projects and at any stage of the research process.
Read our Public Involvement In Research Group information sheet or contact Elaine McNeilly for more information.
INVOLVE
INVOLVE is a national organisation supporting patient and public involvement in health and social care research. Read more about public involvement in research, with useful information for patient, the public and researchers.