Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) research

What is PPI research?

NHS Norfolk is keen to make sure that we commission the high quality services that people want, need and will use effectively. To do this we use a technique called ‘PPI research’ to ask our patients, carers and our local population, what they want from their local health services.

It is important to us to ensure that our research is representative, robust, unbiased and based on evidence. It is also important that we hear from as wide a section of our population as possible. So, to achieve all that we work with independent research organisations, such as Ipsos MORI.

PPI Research involves a variety of research methods, dependent on the people who need to be involved. For example:

• telephone and postal surveys
• focus groups
• deliberative or discussion events made up of representative samples of our local population.

We use a blend of quantitative research (finding out how many people think or do something) and qualitative research (asking people why they think something or do something).

Our research uses a broadly representative sample of our local population taking into account ethnicity, gender, age and social demographic and in many cases targets specifics groups and individuals who are ‘seldom heard’, such as migrant workers and travellers.

How does this make a difference?

This robust, independent and representative research means we reach those people who are not often engaged in our decision-making processes. We learn how a service redesign or commissioning decision affects all of our communities and not just those who are regularly engaged or those who shout the loudest.

What happens to the results of the research?

The results of the research are analysed and turned into a report, including an executive summary. All reports go to the bi-monthly NHS Norfolk Board meetings where they are fully discussed in public, and recommendations are made on how to apply the results of the report to service design and commissioning. Examples of these reports can be seen in the consultation section of this website.

We also ensure that we feedback to those who took part in the research about what we have done as a result of what was said. In this way, participants of the research are aware of how their contribution directly influences the decisions of NHS Norfolk. For example, a full outcome document may be produced or a letter outlining six key points from the research.