Patient Public Involvement Panel for the Business Healthcare

Purposes of the PPI in the Business of Healthcare 

The purpose of the proposed PPI panel is to conduct evidence-based research on the business side of healthcare, involving input from members of the public who have either been patients themselves in the Irish healthcare system themselves or are responsible for someone who has been or is currently a patient in the system. The business side of healthcare includes, but is not limited to, concepts such as leadership, job design, culture, control and power, motivation, training, and patient-related processes and procedures. The experiences of patients and relevant members of the public in their interaction with the health system, for example, waiting times and quality of services, will help inform the direction of this research. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide evidence-based solutions that will improve some of the business processes in the Irish healthcare system, leading to a better experience for both the patient and healthcare staff. Specific aims of the panel include:

• To apply a collaborative co-creation process to the identification of relevant areas in the Business of Healthcare that may be considered worthy of investigation.
• To co-produce and share knowledge that will inform policies and practices at the business principles level in healthcare settings both nationally and locally. 
• To build a stronger community that bridges the public and patients with researchers and healthcare professionals.
• To increase leadership knowledge, skills, and competencies of healthcare professionals. 

*It is expected that the aims of the PPI panel will be further developed with input from the members once the panel is formed.  

Who can get Involved? 

Due to the nature of the PPI, it is important that patients and members of the public who get involved in the panel have some form of experience with the Irish healthcare system. The requirements for participation in the panel are as follows: 

1. Patients with experience in the Irish healthcare system over the last three years 
2. Members of the public with knowledge of business principles (e.g., through work experience or education), for whom someone they are responsible, have had experience in the Irish healthcare system for the last three years. 

Why get Involved? 

There are many reasons to get involved in this patient and public involvement-led research. For example, if during your experience with the Irish Healthcare system, you have observed systems that you feel could be improved, this group will give you the opportunity to voice it. Other reasons to get involved include: 

• Being part of a research community that has the potential to enhance the way in which the Irish Healthcare system operates.
• Feeling passionate about an issue and acting on it through gathering evidence to inform its improvement.
• Gaining access to information produced through the research conducted by the group.
• Gaining experience in engaging with industry-led research.
• Giving something back – making good use of your existing knowledge and expertise 

How Can I Get Involved? 

Expressions of interest can be emailed to Dr. Nuala Ryan at nuala.ryan@ul.ie.