Real community engagement: Ensuring effective patient and public involvement (PPI)

2012 Conference

Abstract:
We will outline an engagement model we have developed to gather information and views from diverse communities, throughout Northamptonshire. The method we use builds up a genuine relationship with a two-way dialogue from the outset. We will illustrate the engagement model with video footage including interviews from some of our events, which by their nature are diverse and show that providing you listen to the community you will be welcomed and that this engagement will lead to effective involvement. We will outline the steps required to build the relationship and give examples of how this engagement generates honest and open dialogue between service providers, clinicians or academics and the communities which are often labelled as hard to reach.

We hope that people will see that PPI and the basis of good engagement is a process that when carried out well is not only effective in terms of research or service delivery but also in breaking down, often perceived, barriers and ultimately improved outcomes for all. We will open the discussion up for questions regarding areas or communities people have found it hard to engage with and aim to provide suggestions and solutions that will be beneficial.