Table 6 Solutions – Support and learning

Emotional support

7, 22, 28, 33, 37–38, 41–42

Recognise that experiences may be upsetting (22), Provide safe spaces (37), Provide consistent feedback and support (28), Consider how to deal with anxiety (33)

Practical support

28, 38–40

Think about details e.g. childcare, food, location, transport, compensation, timings (39), Have strategies for when people are ill/ can’t take part (28)

Structural support

20, 29, 40

Make sure key project individuals support PPI (20), Provide structures that support PPI (40), Include relevant institutions such as charities, volunteer groups etc. (29)

Specific support

33, 37

Ensure support specific to topic area (33) and to their individual involvement (37).

LEARNING - Attribute

Study/Studies

Examples of reasoning

As appropriate

7, 22, 31, 36–37, 40–42

Make learning relevant to the specific context of the research (7, 30, 37) and at the appropriate level for the PPI member (37) to allow full participation (42) and to build participant capacity (22)

Formal knowledge

20, 29, 36, 38

Formal development of knowledge and skills (20), supporting participants to be informed and make informed decisions (29) and to understand specific parts of the research process and/or context (36)

Research methods

26, 36, 41–42

Training in research components to give confidence in their involvement (36) and to explain ‘rules’ and constraints of research (26)

Variety of learning methods

28, 33, 38–39

Use a variety of methods such as supervision, mentoring, formal, workshops and team based (39), include everyone on the team if possible (28, 38)

Share knowledge

36–37

Acknowledge that knowledge and experience flow both ways and make ways to facilitate that flow (37)

General

25, 29, 32, 38

Provide, support and fund training and learning opportunities (29).