PPI (Patient and Public Involvment)
Established in 2022, the RadNet Glasgow+ PPI group plays an important role in strengthening the relationship between our researchers and the people affected by cancer, including patients, families, and carers. The group ensures that lived experience informs our work, supports meaningful advocacy, and enables those most impacted to contribute directly to the development and direction of our research activities.
Our PPI focus group lead, Linda Galbraith, has provided the following reflection on the value and impact of public and patient involvement:
"The RadNet PPI group was formed four years ago, and is open to patients with experience of radiotherapy, and their carers. We are there to offer our support for researchers in this area. Don’t worry – you do not need a scientific background – I certainly haven’t – but there are training opportunities on patient involvement available if you are interested. We can bring an “expert” insight into individual research studies due to our experience of radiotherapy and our use of the health service. Involving people with lived experience enables researchers to gain and understanding of what is demanded of the patient.
We meet two or three times a year, offering a “dragons den” opportunity for researchers, where they can bring their research proposal to the group and recieve feedback. They want to know if the group thinks the proposal potentially offers improvements for future patients. We are also asked to review documents that patients are required to read – such as the Patient Information Sheet and Consent forms. Demand is high, and researchers are very positive about the group.
I’ve been involved since the group's inception – it was my first venture into PPI and a very positive one. The group were keen that I work in areas I was comfortable with – in my case strategy and finance – and my experience here has led me to many other opportunities in the UK and beyond. It is a welcoming and listening organisation and I would certainly recommend you give it a try.
I have been involved in ten studies since joining RadNet. One of the privileges is seeing the progression of a study – such is the case with Steph May and her team, who received pump priming from RadNet in its initial years. This first study has led to two further awards – one form CRUK and another from RadNet’s current pump priming fund, allowing further research to take place."