A public-led and multi-organisational approach to developing a learning and support programme for lay assessors
2014 Conference
Abstract: Lay assessors contribute their own experience and independent view through reading and commenting on proposed research projects. They may help improve grant applications, study plans and patient information.
In the East Midlands, we are developing a learning and support programme for lay assessors and for researchers interested in lay assessing. A ‘pilot’ of the programme has been delivered this year.
We will outline the approach we have taken in ensuring:
- The topic matter and ways of delivering the programme have been driven by the views of the public. This was vitally important to gain buy-in and a sense of credibility about our programme.
- We established a working group with strong (indeed majority) public representation, to co-develop the programme. We shall show how this was aided by a ‘public-led’ approach right from the beginning.
- Representation from a number of research organisations. Through developing programmes on a regional, as opposed to organisational basis, it is possible to create something with enough ‘critical mass’ to be viable. This is in terms of ensuring:
– Enough people find out and take part in the programme
– Lay assessment opportunities are offered to people who take part
– Funding is offered to launch the programme.
This multi-organisational approach also better mirrors, and is helped by, the often multi-organisational input that lay people have in research.
This submission will raise discussions around the importance of being led and guided by the public and of taking a multi-organisational approach to patient and public involvement (PPI) activities.
Authors
Higton ~ Fred
Patient and Public Involvement Lay Member. Fred Higton was educated as a chemist and has worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry for over 30 years. He suffered a stroke in 2011 and since has been working as a volunteer, including lay assessing, in stroke and medical research-based organisations.
View all articles by this authorHorobin ~ Adele
Dr Adele Horobin completed her PhD at the University of Nottingham in 2004. Adele moved into management and, in 2013, became Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Manager at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit. Adele is leading on the lay assessor learning and support programme for the East Midlands.
View all articles by this authorWragg ~ Andy
Andy Wragg has 30 years’ experience in the public sector, with skills in the fields of alcohol/drug misuse and community development. Since 2003, Andy has worked in both primary and secondary care management, more recently as Patient and Public Involvement/ Engagement Facilitator at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research Unit (BRU).
View all articles by this authorWray ~ Paula
Paula Wray is the Public Involvement Programme Lead for the Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) East Midlands and has a strategic role ensuring that public involvement and stakeholder engagement is central to the CLAHRC and its projects. She is setting up a Patient and Public Partners’ Council and the East Midlands (EM) Centre for Ethnic Health to facilitate diverse engagement and more ground up direction for the organisation.
View all articles by this author« Go back
