Broadening patient and public involvement (PPI) in research is now an established goal of science policy in the UK. With many medical research charities representing distinct patient groups as part of their broader charitable role, or having strong patient groups allied to them, PPI would seem ‘natural ground’ for them.

Many AMRC member charities have already developed innovative and sophisticated models of PPI as part of their research funding activities. Others, however, have only just begun to explore this agenda and AMRC receives many requests for advice and guidance on ‘how to’ implement PPI.

The Natural Ground project was devised to enable the AMRC to harness the experiences of members. During 2008-09, a learning set of staff and volunteers from member organisations met regularly to discuss current activities and issues.

The Natural Ground report outlines their experiences and draws out key learning points. AMRC has also identified a number of questions that member should use to spark discussion in their organisation.

For more information please contact Dr Liz Philpots on 0207 269 8831

October 2009