Public involvement and engagement in research during the COVID-19 pandemic

Description:

The report outlines the need for concerted action to reverse a potential decline in PPI during the COVID-19 pandemic, to harness the power of patient and public involvement in improving research and ensuring that its results are trusted and effective. The report summarises discussions from a FORUM workshop held in May 2020 and run jointly by the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the Association of Medical Research Charities and the NIHR in May 2020.
Key findings: There is a lack of leadership and coordination of public involvement and engagement in COVID-19 research efforts, and the pandemic and its effects have had a major impact on public involvement across the wider research agenda. Improved coordination is crucial, and it is also vital that public involvement practitioners review and share best practice.