Help parents, guardians and caregivers work with primary care teams to give a voice to unwell children

Join a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) advisory panel of parents, guardians and caregivers and help shape research to ensure that healthcare teams listen to parent voices when children are unwell. 

The study focuses on improving safety for unwell children by understanding how parents, guardians and caregivers speak up (advocate) for their child’s safety, and how primary care teams can work together with parents to support their advocacy efforts.  

Parents, guardians and caregivers whose children have had negative healthcare experiences (for example, something has gone wrong, an error, or a mistake) will be interviewed to provide insights that can help improve practices in primary care and beyond, so children are not harmed during their treatment and management.  

You will join an advisory panel and will provide feedback on study development, contribute to research materials and ensure that the study is conducted in a way that is sensitive to participants' needs.

What experience do I need to help?

• Personal experience of having a child where something may have gone wrong whilst receiving healthcare, particularly related to primary care (GP practices, out-of-hours services etc).
• Willing to share experiences and provide constructive feedback on research and healthcare materials.
• Basic understanding of healthcare services, particularly primary care, and an interest in improving child safety in these settings.

What will I be asked to do?

• Attend a panel meeting every six months (for the duration of the study, which ends in May 2028)
• Provide feedback on various research aspects including participant materials, interview schedules and stakeholder workshop planning
• Advise on sharing the findings and participate in co-presenting findings, if willing
• Help ensure the project runs on time and within ethical guidelines
• Provide a confidential forum for discussions on issues arising from the research

How long will I be needed for?

• You will be involved until May 2028 and need to attend eight meetings over the course of the project.

What are some of the benefits for me?

• Opportunity to access in-house training on how to make healthcare work better for patients.

What support is offered?

• Offer payment for time of £25.00 per hour (people can request less if they are in receipt of state benefits).
• In-house training to help you understand aspects of the project
• A designated contact person (Lead PI and PPI co-applicant) for support throughout the study, including wellbeing support due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed

Have a look at our guidelines for more information about this. 

If you are receiving any benefits, you can access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.  

Please complete the form below