Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute (SZPGMI) Clinical Trials Unit
What is PPIE?
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) means partnering with patients, caregivers, and community representatives as active collaborators in research—not just participants. Globally, organizations such as NIHR (UK) and PCORI (USA) have demonstrated that PPIE enhances the relevance, quality, trust, and impact of clinical research. Through PPIE, research questions, trial designs, consent processes, and outcomes better reflect real community needs, ensuring that research leads to meaningful change.
Why PPIE at SZPGMI CTU?
In Pakistan, patients’ voices have often been underrepresented in health research. As a socially accountable institution, we aim to bridge that gap. By embedding PPIE within our Clinical Trials Unit, we strive to:
• Build trust and transparency between researchers and communities.
• Align research priorities with patient and community needs.
• Improve recruitment, retention, and relevance of clinical trials.
• Position SZPGMI as a national leader in patient-centered research.
Our PPIE Strategy: A Five-Year Roadmap
Year 1 – Foundation
• Establish a Patient and Public Advisory Group (PPAG) of ≥10 members from diverse backgrounds.
• Conduct orientation and training workshops for PPAG members.
• Pilot the integration of PPAG feedback into initial trial protocols and develop plain-language consent templates.
Year 2 – Consolidation
• Hold quarterly PPAG workshops.
• Embed patient feedback into at least 3 active clinical trials.
• Co-produce community-friendly dissemination tools (leaflets, summaries, webinars).
• Launch annual PPAG and researcher evaluation surveys.
Year 3 – Scaling
• Expand PPAG membership to ensure broad representation.
• Institutionalize feedback loops within CTU processes.
• Organize community engagement events such as hospital open days.
• Demonstrate measurable improvements in trial recruitment and retention.
Year 4 – Institutionalization
• Embed PPIE practices in CTU SOPs and staff induction.
• Host the first Annual PPIE Showcase bringing together researchers, patients, and the public.
• Disseminate results through national platforms.
Year 5 – Impact & Recognition
• Sustain and strengthen PPAG activity with clear succession planning.
• Conduct a comprehensive impact evaluation.
• Share the SZPGMI PPIE model nationally and internationally as a best practice.
PPIE in Action
We have initiated multiple activities to ensure meaningful involvement, including:
• Quarterly workshops and focus groups with patients, caregivers, and community representatives.
• Review of trial protocols, consent forms, and communication materials for clarity and cultural appropriateness.
• Co-development of plain-language patient resources and community dissemination materials.
• Public webinars and outreach sessions to raise awareness and build trust.
• Training for researchers to strengthen their patient engagement skills.
Building Networks and Partnerships
Our CTU is actively building collaborations with:
• Local hospitals, patient advocacy groups, and community representatives in Pakistan.
• International networks following NIHR (UK) and PCORI (USA) frameworks.
• Academic and policy forums advancing social accountability in medical research.
We welcome partnerships with patients, caregivers, researchers, and organizations who share our vision of patient-centered, inclusive research.
Get Involved
Are you a patient, caregiver, community member, or researcher who wants to shape the future of healthcare research in Pakistan?
📧 Email: director.ctu.szmc@skzmdc.edu.pk
📞 Phone: +92 302 6172574
🌐 Website: https://skzmdc.edu.pk/clinical-trial-unit/
“Together, we can shape research that matters—and improves lives.”