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The NIHR describes patient and public involvement (PPI) as an active partnership between researchers and the public that helps shape research. While PPI is well established in applied health research, it is less developed in statistical methodology research due to the technical nature of the work. To explore how meaningful PPI can be achieved in this field, we have established a PPI group that helps shape our research. To broaden the range of perspectives informing our work, we also run community engagement events with local groups. These sessions use the accessible craft of folding origami gift boxes, creating opportunities to introduce our research and hear from people who would not usually get involved. The craft activity helps us to build relationships and engage with a wider range of voices.
In this session we will introduce community engagement and the crafty approach we have adopted, providing feedback from the sessions we have run so far – covering what has worked well and where we need to make improvements. You will also get a chance to fold your own boxes! We hope this session will inspire others to try connecting with their local community as a way of diversifying their PPI input.
Session lead
Lizzie Fisher, Research Assistant, University of Leicester