Fife Community Advisory Council

In 2018, a Patient and Public Involvement group called Fife Community Advisory Council (FCAC) was established jointly by the University of St Andrews and NHS Fife Research Innovation and Knowledge (RIK) to support Health and Social Care research in Fife.

What is Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)?

Patient and Public Involvement or PPI is involving and engaging with the patient and public to gain their perspective on research projects and studies.

It ultimately aims to create better patient outcomes in the long-term, ensuring research makes a difference to peoples’ lives. Researchers work together with patients and the public throughout the lifecycle of a research study gaining perspective on what is and isn’t important to the public, increasing the relevance and credibility of their work.

What does Patient and Public Involvement look like at the University of St Andrews & NHS Fife?

FCAC is made up of members of the public who through their knowledge and lived experiences can provide the “lay” perspective in research studies. They support Researchers, Clinicians and Scientists, contributing to the design, aims, delivery, and final recommendations of research studies. Working collaboratively, they share perspectives, skills, respecting and valuing knowledge and experience, reciprocity, and building and maintaining relationships.

FCAC works within a published Scottish framework and follows guidance issued by the National Institute for Health & Care Research and NHS Fife.

FCAC provides a bespoke approach to the PPI they can offer to each research project, as no two projects are ever the same. Examples of responsibilities, though not limited to are:

suggesting what health problems to study and how best to study these, looking at what resources are available or needed to improve on these.
reviewing and contributing to grant applications, and in some cases acting as a grant Co-applicant
reading and commenting on materials for research studies, such as participant information sheets and protocols.
Joining PPI panels who contribute to the full lifecycle of a research project, often a 3 or 5 year project.

More information on research projects at the University of St Andrews can be found here and NHS Fife Research, Innovation and Knowledge can be found here.

Testimonials

“The Fife Community Advisory Council have been crucial in shaping and growing my research from the start – from comments on early proposals, to assisting with ethical approval processes, to sharing the research through co-presentations. It’s ensured my research is meaningful to those that will be affected by it and hopefully helped it have real world impact!” (Sarah, a researcher)

“PPI group is amazing. I have met them all now and they are all fabulous, what great experience and insights they will bring! I was actually blown away when chatting to them and can't really get over how perfect they all are to this project” (Joyce, a researcher)

“I really enjoy being part of FCAC and getting to be a small part of all the innovative work being taken forward to benefit patient outcomes” (volunteer testimonial)

“As a lay person, I have always felt that both NHS Fife and St Andrews University have always listened to my opinions, involved me in a meaningful way in their research projects and welcomed me into their team. I have enjoyed taking part in the research projects and thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to do so. I am also grateful for the invitations to seminars and conferences which has greatly added to my knowledge and understanding of health and social care research” (volunteer testimonial)

“I enjoy the variety of projects and the sense that my small contribution may do some good along the way” (volunteer testimonial)

Are you interested in discussing your research ideas with the Fife Community Advisory Council? Do you wish to have a laypersons’ perspective on your proposal? Would you like to have a public partner on your study team? Or do you have any other queries that the Community Advisory Council can help with? If so, please contact the PPI Co-ordinator in the School of Medicine Research Support Team for more information on medfifecac@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Whether your project is a long-term project requiring significant PPI, or you just need one-off PPI input, the PPI Co-ordinator can help guide you on PPI options. They can also signpost you to PPI resources and training materials.

The free online self-guided Bite-size Intro to PPI offered by University of Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility is a good introduction to those new to PPI.
Do you have a keen and passionate interest in Health and Social Care research? Do you have lived experiences and knowledge that could help shape research? Do you want to make a difference to patient outcomes in the future?

The FCAC members operate in a voluntary capacity. In return, we offer:
- Re-imbursement of reasonable travel expenses incurred in your work as a FCAC member.
- An inclusive, friendly and inviting atmosphere where all voices are heard and experiences listened to.
- The chance to improve healthcare in your area and across Scotland.
- Co-applicant status on some projects and recognition on outputs and publications.
- The chance to meet others with similar lived experiences.
- Payment for PPI on some grant funded projects (rates set using NIHR guidance and subject to normal statutory deductions, and satisfactory right to work in UK checks).
- The opportunity for learning with invitations to Events and Seminars, and sharing of interesting papers.
All voices in the FCAC group are valued. We aim to have an inclusive, diverse and a representative group. We are keen to hear from individuals aged 18+ and living in Scotland, who share these passions, interests and values. Volunteers are free to participate in as many, or as few, projects they wish.

Please contact the PPI Co-ordinator in the School of Medicine Research Support Team for more information on medfifecac@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Fife Community Advisory Council

What is Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)?

What does Patient and Public Involvement look like at the University of St Andrews & NHS Fife?

Testimonials

Are you a Researcher needing PPI support?

Are you a member of the public keen to be a PPI contributor and volunteer?