The Role of PPIE in Research
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s about building accessible, inclusive research that reflects real-world needs. When patients and the public play an active role, research becomes more meaningful, transparent, and impactful.
Many research teams understand the importance of PPIE, but translating that into an effective online presence can be a challenge. A research website should do more than just share findings. It should engage, educate, and invite collaboration.
What Makes a Research Website PPIE-Friendly?
A well-designed research website isn’t just an archive of information. It’s a platform for engagement that brings the public into the research process. Here are the key elements that make a real difference:
1. Accessibility Must Come First
For research to be truly inclusive, accessibility isn’t optional. That means:
- Clear, simple navigation that makes information easy to find
- Screen-reader compatibility and alt text for images
- Subtitles on videos and a high-contrast mode for users with visual impairments
If the public can’t access or understand your research, you’re already limiting engagement.
2. Content That’s Actually Understandable
One of the biggest mistakes in academic websites is writing for peers instead of the public. Research findings need to be clear and digestible. Keep content:
- Concise and jargon-free
- Broken into short, readable sections
- Supported by infographics and explainer videos
3. Public Feedback Should Be Easy
PPIE isn’t just about publishing updates. It’s about listening and responding. A great research website should include:
- Surveys and feedback forms to collect insights
- Q&A forums where the public can ask questions
- Consultation opportunities to allow contributors to help shape research
4. Engagement Should Reach Everyone
If your research aims to improve health or social outcomes for diverse communities, your website should reflect that. Consider:
- Multilingual content to reach non-native speakers
- Content tailored for different literacy levels
- Easy sign-ups for public engagement events
How Readysalted Supports Research Teams in PPIE
At Readysalted, we’ve worked with universities, research centres, and public health teams for over 20 years, creating research websites that go beyond compliance. We focus on:
- Human-centred UX that prioritises accessibility and engagement
- Collaborative planning to ensure research teams and the public are aligned
- Mobile-first platforms that ensure information is accessible to everyone
Planning a Research Website? Let’s Talk
If your research website isn’t effectively engaging the public, it’s not doing its job. Whether you’re launching a new project or refining an existing platform, we can help.