KARACHI: Speakers at a summit organised by Ziauddin University (ZU) on Tuesday highlighted the importance of community participation in health research, promoting a collaborative approach that enhances the relevance and impact of healthcare solutions in Pakistan.

The programme brought together public engagement experts, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates on one platform.

The summit on Public & Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) initiative was inaugurated by Dr Zulfiqar Ali Umrani, co-director of the clinical trials unit (CTU) at ZU.

Led by the critical care medicine research group at the university and introduced by Prof Nikhat Ahmed Siddiqui, the initiative is the first of its kind in Pakistan. It underscores the university’s commitment to making clinical trials more relevant and impactful by actively involving patients, families, and the public.

In her remarks, Dr Siddiqui emphasised that the PPIE programme extends beyond clinical trials, applying its patient-centred approach across various medical specialties to ensure that research effectively addresses the real-world needs of the community.

The significant challenges and opportunities of integrating Public & Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) into clinical trials across Pakistan were highlighted by Prof Saeed Hamid, Director of the CTU at Aga Khan University. He explained how embracing this inclusive approach could revolutionise the country’s health research.

Adnan Masood, a banking and technology consultant and public representative on ZU’s PPIE group, underscored the critical need to integrate patients’ voices into research. He emphasised that the success of healthcare innovations relies heavily on understanding and addressing patients’ needs and concerns—an aspect frequently overlooked in traditional research frameworks.

Adding a global perspective, Dr Rakhshi Memon, a Research Fellow at University College London, shared valuable insights from her work with PPIE in Pakistan. She discussed best practices for effectively engaging the public in health research, offering practical strategies and examples from her experiences.

In addition to the presentations by Prof Saeed Hamid, Mr Masood, Dr Rakhshi Memon, and Dr Ashleigh Cheyne, the summit featured an engaging panel discussion joined by Dr Zulfiqar Ali Umrani.

This interactive session allowed attendees to pose questions directly to the speakers.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2024