The Rapid Involvement of Patients and the Public in Evidence Synthesis (RIPPLES) Framework: Development and Guidance
Author(s)
Eugenie Evelynne Johnson, MSc1, Sean Gill, N/A1, Madeleine Still, MSc1, Daisy Trenchard, N/A1, Debbie Smith, N/A2, Rebecca Harmston, N/A2, Jane McDermott, N/A1, Fiona Pearson, PhD1.
1NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, 2Public research team member, N/A, United Kingdom.
1NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, 2Public research team member, N/A, United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: In the United Kingdom, patient and public involvement (PPI) is an expectation of health and social care research. Guidance exists on how to conduct PPI in research but, to date, there have been no frameworks available specifically for embedding PPI in rapid evidence syntheses, which can be undertaken in as little as two or three weeks. We therefore co-developed a framework to support those seeking to embed PPI into rapid evidence syntheses.
METHODS: The framework was developed in three stages: a scoping review of published PPI frameworks in health and social care (N=53); a survey of key interest-holders (N=101); and two online workshops with interest-holders (researchers, members of the public, policymakers, PPI professionals). The first workshop in November 2024 (N=15) informed a draft framework. This draft was evaluated at the second online workshop in January 2025 (N=16). The framework was refined based on findings from this session.
RESULTS: The Rapid Involvement of Patients and the PubLic in Evidence Synthesis (RIPPLES) framework contains three interconnected layers. The UK Standards for Public Involvement are its foundational principles, while RIPPLES also advocates for establishing and maintaining relationships with patient, public and community groups, as well as seeking training for researchers and PPI to help facilitate eventual involvement. Furthermore, RIPPLES describes steps for embedding PPI into individual rapid evidence synthesis projects in detail, including considerations for rapid evidence syntheses commissioned by interest-holders. Finally, RIPPLES is accompanied by a detailed guidance document and worksheet to plan PPI activities to aid researchers in using the framework.
CONCLUSIONS: RIPPLES is the first framework providing practical and pragmatic guidance on embedding PPI within rapid evidence synthesis. Evaluation and refinement of the framework in future will help identify areas where new resources can be developed and ensure it is relevant to those who will use it.
METHODS: The framework was developed in three stages: a scoping review of published PPI frameworks in health and social care (N=53); a survey of key interest-holders (N=101); and two online workshops with interest-holders (researchers, members of the public, policymakers, PPI professionals). The first workshop in November 2024 (N=15) informed a draft framework. This draft was evaluated at the second online workshop in January 2025 (N=16). The framework was refined based on findings from this session.
RESULTS: The Rapid Involvement of Patients and the PubLic in Evidence Synthesis (RIPPLES) framework contains three interconnected layers. The UK Standards for Public Involvement are its foundational principles, while RIPPLES also advocates for establishing and maintaining relationships with patient, public and community groups, as well as seeking training for researchers and PPI to help facilitate eventual involvement. Furthermore, RIPPLES describes steps for embedding PPI into individual rapid evidence synthesis projects in detail, including considerations for rapid evidence syntheses commissioned by interest-holders. Finally, RIPPLES is accompanied by a detailed guidance document and worksheet to plan PPI activities to aid researchers in using the framework.
CONCLUSIONS: RIPPLES is the first framework providing practical and pragmatic guidance on embedding PPI within rapid evidence synthesis. Evaluation and refinement of the framework in future will help identify areas where new resources can be developed and ensure it is relevant to those who will use it.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
PCR239
Topic
Patient-Centered Research, Study Approaches
Topic Subcategory
Patient Engagement
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas