P87 Who, what, when, where, how and why? Addressing the challenges of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) within STI research and co-producing and applying a PPIE strategy within the SEQUENCE Digital research programme. (16th June 2022) - Owusu, Melvina Woode
Abstract : Introduction: Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) can improve research relevance, quality, and impact but is challenging because STIs are often transient and stigmatising. We describe the co-production and application of an innovative PPIE strategy within the SEQUENCE Digital research programme (sequencedigital.org.uk), which is developing and evaluating a widely accessible eSexual Health Clinic. Methods: We co-produced a PPIE strategy, enabling community contributions to on-going and time-limited research activities. Through multiple communication modalities (written and oral involvement through group/individual discussions, via phone, video, messaging, emails and face-to-face), we accommodated contributors' schedules and preferences (including for anonymity). Research funding enabled remuneration of contributors. Results: Twelve community contributors of diverse ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions, and experiences of disability, mild learning difficulties and STI healthcare were recruited through various community-based organisations (CBOs), co-production networks and personal contacts. PPIE informed the refinement of the study website, co-production of simple-read website text, and development of consent forms, interview materials, demographic questionnaires, topic guides, case scenarios and clinical pathway diagrams. Conclusion: Co-production of the PPIE strategy supported early, flexible and anonymised contributions to STI research while minimising the time, financial and opportunity costs to the public, CBOs and service users. Commitment (of research time and funds) to involve diverse contributors facilitated a participant-centric, culturally appropriate and inclusive study website and materials. These tools supported recruitment of research participants, who less frequently participate in research, have broad lived experiences and varying sexual health needs, thus expanding the research relevance, quality and impact.