Supporting researchers with effective patient and public involvement in grant applications to the Dementia Themed Call
DeNDRoN offers two levels of support with PPI for the themed call:
1. Guidance and adviceGuidance to support researchers in using appropriate PPI to support their grant application is provided at the bottom of this page, including links to support available from the Alzheimer’s Society and NIHR Research Design Services.
2. Managed PPI for DeNDRoN Writing Groups
A “managed service” is provided for DeNDRoN Writing Groups through which DeNDRoN provides:
- Expert advice in developing of a PPI plan to support the application
- Administrative support to arrange specific PPI activities
- Management support with conducting specific PPI activities
- Funding to cover the costs of coordination and specific PPI activities
For information about applying to become a Writing Group click here. (Existing Writing Group conveners should contact Terry McGrath, PPI Coordinator at the DeNDRoN Coordinating Centre to access this support.)
Guidance for researchers in involving patients and carers to support their applications
The table below summarises five specific mechanisms of PPI that you should consider using to support your application. A tool kit or guidance document is provided to support you in using each mechanism. For advice on selecting and using these mechanisms of PPI please contact Terry McGrath, PPI Coordinator at the DeNDRoN Coordinating Centre.
Mechanism |
Method |
Use |
Tool kit |
Discussion group |
Group of patients/carers physically meeting with members of a research team |
To discuss specific issue or range of issues |
|
Survey |
Postal and/or electronic surveys sent to patients/carers |
To get input on set of specific questions |
|
In-depth interview |
Researcher conducting an in-depth interview with a patient/carer |
To get in-depth advice on a specific issue or range of issues |
|
Individual representation or advice |
An individual patient/carer as a member of the grant development team, or available for informal advice |
To provide patient/carer input throughout the grant development |
|
Lay review |
Documents sent to number of patients/carers for individual review. |
To provide input on specific documents |
|
PPI support available from other organisations
The following organisations also provide support with PPI in applications for the Dementia Themed Call:
NIHR Research Design Services:
Your local RDS will be able to provide you with advice on the patient and public involvement elements of your proposal to ensure that these meet the requirements of the NIHR funding streams and to ensure appropriately well developed PPI is included in your proposal. Additionally many RDSs offer a small bursary or grant scheme to support researchers financially to get patients involved in the design and development of research proposals, so please contact your local RDS to find out more about how they can support you in applying to the NIHR Dementia Call: www.ccf.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/RDSMap.aspx
Further information
Patient and public involvement in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Dementia themed call for research – INVOLVE guidance for researchers 
This document is aimed primarily at RESEARCHERS. It provides advice and information about public involvement in research that researchers may find useful when considering applying to the NIHR for funding to undertake research as part of the dementia themed call. It explores the importance of PPI and provides information on further sources of advice.
Dementia Themed Call: Considering Conflicts of Interest when working with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) programmes 
This guidance explores “conflict of interest” when working with the NIHR programmes, as there are a number of ways in which you may be asked to take part. This leaflet is aimed at patients, carers, members of the wider public and researchers who may be involved with work for the Dementia Themed Call