Patient and Public Research Advisory Group (PPRAG)

Established in 2017, our Patient and Public Research Advisory Group (PPRAG), which currently has over 70 members with lived experience of a wide variety of conditions, ensures that the voices of our patients, carers and the wider public are at the heart of research.

Members use their personal experiences to shape research from an early stage and throughout the project.

Activities include providing their insights on research ideas and plans, reviewing patient-facing materials, being co-applicants on grant applications and being part of project management committees.

Since its inception, PPRAG members have contributed to 130 research studies.

If you would like to join PPRAG, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be asked of me?

You will be asked to use your own experience and knowledge, whether as a patient or carer or from your work or personal life, and to give your honest opinion on research.

As a member of the Patient and Public Research Advisory Group you can take part in a variety of activities at different points in the research process.

Do I have to have taken part in research to be part of PPRAG?

No, you or people you know do not have to have been involved in research to be a member of the group.

PPRAG is open to patients and/or members of the public who have an interest in research or improvements in healthcare.

What activities will I be asked to do?

You may be asked to:

Attend a meeting to give your opinion on research;
Work with researchers to develop study proposals;
Review study documents aimed at patients to ensure that they are appropriate; These documents might include a Patient Information Sheet, Consent Form or Lay Summary of the project.

Do I have to get involved in everything?

Your contribution is completely voluntary and may depend on your interest and time you have available.

It’s up to you what you get involved in.

How often/long are PPRAG meetings?

PPRAG meetings are held on an adhoc basis and will be one to two hours long.

Other activities will also be sent out on an adhoc basis.

Where will the meetings be held?

PPRAG meetings are held online, face-to-face or a mixture of both. All members will be told the meeting location when the invitation is sent.

Will any personal information about me be shared outside of PPRAG?

No. All your personal information will be held by the Research & Development (R&D) PPI Team and any information shared during meetings will remain confidential.

What type of research could I get involved with?

Research at UHCW covers a variety of medical specialities and conditions, including critical care, emergency medicine, cancer and conditions affecting the heart, brain, kidneys and digestive system, amongst others.

Is there any payment for taking part?

You may be offered reimbursement of expenses, for example travel costs. You may also be offered payment for taking part.

You will be informed before you agree to get involved in each meeting or activity whether there will be any payment.