Comparing the perceptions of academics and members of the public about patient and public involvement in ageing research

Abstract

Background: public and patient involvement (PPI) in clinical research is increasingly advocated by funding and regulatory bodies. However, little is known about the views of either academics or members of the public about perceptions of the practical realities of PPI, particularly in relation to ageing research.

Objective: to survey current levels of PPI in biomedical and clinical research relating to ageing at one institution. To compare and contrast the views of academics and the public about PPI relating to research about ageing.

Design: electronic survey of senior academics, postgraduate students and members of a local user group for older people.

Setting and participants: thirty-three academics (18 principal investigators and 15 PhD students) at a biomedical research institution. Fifty-four members of a local user group for older people.

Results: thirty per cent (10/33) of projects described some PPI activity. Older adults were more positive about active involvement in research about ageing than academics. The perceived benefits of and barriers to involvement in research were similar among all groups, although older members of the public were more likely than academics to acknowledge potential barriers to involvement.

Conclusion: academics and older people share some perceptions about PPI in ageing research, but members of the public are more optimistic about active involvement. Further correspondence between these groups may help to identify feasible involvement activities for older people and encourage collaborative research about ageing.

Keywords: ageing; biomedical research; consumer participation; older people; public and patient involvement.