Partnering with people to improve support for taking medicines
How we involve patients and the public in the IMAB-Qi research programme
Overview
We want to make sure the IMAB-Qi research programme is shaped by the people it’s designed to support. That’s why we’re working in partnership with a small group of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) members, who help keep our work relevant, inclusive and grounded in real-world experience.
They’re involved across the programme, helping to shape how the research is designed, delivered and communicated. We aim to make sure their involvement feels valued, purposeful and integrated as part of the wider team.
What we mean by PPI
We use PPI as an umbrella term for how people with lived or learned experience contribute to the IMAB-Qi programme.
It’s a two-way process that’s about building partnerships – where people feel listened to, supported and able to influence decisions throughout the research process.
Our approach seeks to uphold the UK Standards for Public Involvement, which set out what good involvement looks like across health and care research.
Our guiding principles
We use a simple, practical framework to guide how we involve PPI members in IMAB-Qi:
Meet our PPI team
Our PPI team is supported by a dedicated Patient Research Team Leader, Laurence Woollard, MSc, who helps coordinate involvement across the programme and ensure PPI members are well supported.
We’re currently working with four PPI members who bring valuable insight from their own experiences as patients and carers:
Laurence Woollard- PPI team lead
“As someone living with a lifelong condition, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that well-designed and outcomes-focused PPI can make to how research and services are shaped. I believe involvement is most powerful when it brings different perspectives together to explore challenges from multiple angles — particularly when it comes to understanding and addressing issues around taking medicines. Being part of IMAB-Qi is an opportunity to support research excellence by upholding best practice in PPI, while learning from and working alongside fellow PPI members to ensure the programme reflects what truly matters to the people it’s designed to support.”
Sandra Barker- PPI member
“As a former carer, I have been involved in PPI work for some years because I believe that real experience is invaluable in guiding research and the development of public services. I have experienced firsthand some of the barriers to taking medicines. Being told it’s a good thing sometimes isn’t enough. This intervention will help enormously to the benefit of patients and also the NHS.”
Mahomed Khatri- PPI member
“It’s great to know that my experience can shape better health outcomes for others and ensure there’s less money wasted by unused medicines. Receiving regular prescriptions myself, I appreciate at times how during the initial moments it’s confusing what each thing is for and how a simple consultation can make a world of difference.”
Charmaine Rowe- PPI member
“As someone who has been on repeat prescriptions for many years, I understand how important it is that medication reviews lead to meaningful conversations and positive outcomes for patients. I believe it’s important to provide honest feedback — both positive and constructive — so that services can better support people to understand and use their medicines effectively. Being part of IMAB-Qi is an opportunity to help ensure patient perspectives shape how this intervention is developed and implemented in practice.”
Ashley Wong- PPI member
“Following an unexpected lung cancer diagnosis in 2024, I gained a new perspective on the importance of empathy, clear communication and involving people in decisions about their care. That experience inspired me to become involved in PPI, where I hope my insights can help improve research and healthcare services. Being part of IMAB-Qi is an opportunity to ensure what matters to patients helps shape better medicines support for others.”
What our PPI team is involved in
We continue to reflect together on what’s working well and where we can improve, so that involvement remains meaningful and benefits everyone concerned.
