PPI Study Panel

PPI study panels are formed with two kinds of PPI contributors:
patients and members of the public.

PPI contributors provide insights and perspectives to researchers on various clinical trial aspects.

PPI study panels

  • help ensure patient-centered research
  • consider needs, preferences, and experiences of individuals directly affected by research
  • advise researchers on aspects of their projects, including study design, recruitment strategies, patient information materials, and sharing research findings.
  • assist in reviewing research proposals, providing feedback on study protocols, and identifying research priorities from patient perspectives.

DCR maintains a standing PPI panel for consultation by researchers for vetted projects and supports interested researchers in forming PPI study panels.

DCR Standing PPI Panel

To support clinical researchers who implement PPI in their research projects, DCR established a standing PPI panel in 2023.

DCR’s standing panel is composed of PPI contributors who are trained by DCR to offer their experiences and perspectives. Usually, PPI contributors participate during group or individual interviews or at joint study panel meetings with researchers and their teams in one group.

PPI contributors provide valuable experiences, opinions, and perspectives. They engage with researchers through various methods. such as interviews, panel meetings, and questionnaires, to ensure clinical studies

  • address patient needs
  • refine study procedures
  • improve recruitment strategies
  • develop clear informational materials
  • effectively communicate research findings

PPI contributors receive payment according to the Swiss Clinical Trial Organization's Remuneration Policy, which underscores the importance of their contributions.

DCR engages with PPI contributors on the standing panel through various activities, including forums and meetings, both in person and online. The standing PPI panel meets several times a year to discuss different topics to promote PPI contributors and their influential role in research and make the panel known to researchers.

Our PPI Contributors

We refer to members on the standing PPI panel as PPI contributors.

Membership on the standing PPI panel is open to anyone who speaks and reads German. PPI contributors are patients, caregivers, and members of the public.

PPI contributors on the standing PPI panel do not need to have specific expertise in clinical research. They may have personal or direct experiences with diseases or conditions, or they might be interested members of the public without such experiences.

Diversity of experience allows the standing panel to represent a broad range of perspectives, knowledge, and experiences. DCR emphasizes the importance of diversity and equality across age, gender, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring various viewpoints are included and valued.

PPI Contributors for Study-Specific Panels

PPI contributors on the standing PPI panel become eligible to participate in study-specific panels after completing a 4-module online training.

On study-specific panels, PPI contributors engage in group or individual interviews or joint meetings with researchers, contributing their perspectives to influence research practices and promote their roles within the research community.