Public and patient involvement
At RCSI, we prioritise keeping the patient and public voice central to our mission. Public and patient involvement (PPI) is key to our 2023-2027 Strategy, Innovating for a Healthier Future, reflecting our commitment to integrating PPI deeply into research and education.
PPI in research
PPI in research means that those most affected by research shape its direction, conduct and how the research results are shared. RCSI is a lead university in the National PPI Ignite Network, a €5 million initiative funded by the Health Research Board and Research Ireland. Professor Michelle Flood, PPI in Research Lead, and Programme Manager Niamh Dillon, direct efforts to increase PPI in research within RCSI and nationally.
In 2024–2025, we delivered training, workshops and public events to build PPI capacity. During the National PPI Festival in October 2024 RCSI hosted nine events, including a two-part NALA Plain English workshop for researchers. In partnership with Trinity College Dublin, the Irish Cancer Society and the National PPI Ignite Office, we attracted 260 attendees including researchers, students, patients and public.
In April, we collaborated with Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland on an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Knowledge Exchange, fostering new opportunities for PPI in pre-clinical research. At RCSI Research Day 2025, we celebrated PPI through awards, including the Public/Patient Research Partner Excellence Award, presented to Siobhán Freeney.
RCSI and University College Cork co-delivered the PPI and Engaged Research Module to 18 postgraduate students, with input from PPI contributors and patient organisations, including the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. A key milestone was Professor Flood’s appointment as All-Ireland Lead for Phase 3 of the PPI Ignite Network, reinforcing RCSI’s leadership in advancing PPI in research.
PPI in education
The patient voice is central to ensuring RCSI students learn to support and care for their future patients in the best way possible. Our team of patient storytellers and simulated patients brings an impactful experience into our teaching. These patient perspectives enable students to see the patient beyond the theory and diagnosis. The stories, in particular, are a powerful tool in the student learning journey. Through storytelling, patients bring to life the complexities of healthcare, ensuring that students see the person behind the patient. This approach enables students to understand the importance of listening, understanding and connecting on a deeper level.
Led by Michelle Kirrane Scott, the PPI in Education Committee oversees and develops these partnerships. Patients and public representatives are members of committees and school steering groups. Their voice is vital in both planning curricula and in student engagement.
Patient advocacy groups that support this work include: Diabetes Ireland, Parkinson’s Association Ireland, Arthritis Ireland, Epilepsy Ireland, The Marie Keating Foundation, Breast Cancer Ireland, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Asthma Association Ireland, Sjögren’s Ireland, Rotunda Maternity Hospital, MS Ireland. Irish Coalition for People with Obesity, UISCE - National Advocacy Service for People who use Drugs in Ireland, Hyperemesis Ireland, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), Alopecia Ireland, Irish Platform for Patients’ Organisations, Science and Industry (IPPOSI).
In October 2024, we held a celebratory recognition and reward event to thank our patient and public partners for their vital contributions to RCSI’s mission in education and research. The event welcomed 80 guests to RCSI to enjoy an afternoon of student performances, storytelling and networking.