Table 2 The range of approaches used to consult the public during the design of a study that were confirmed as involvement

• Clinicians talking to a few patients in their clinic

• Presenting the proposal at an event or conference

• Presentations to patient groups – either local groups or linked to a charity

• Consulting standing public involvement panels within local trusts or universities, research networks, charities

• Discussion with one named patient

• Organising a meeting with patients (sometimes with National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Design Service funding)

• Setting up an advisory group for the project for consultation at this stage and subsequently deciding to keep the group in place for the remainder of the project

• Consulting a number of patient groups including project specific and professional groups

• Consulting a steering committee or advisory group overseeing the project which had patient members as well as professionals

• Developing the study within a Network Clinical Studies Group

• Receiving input via patient members of the funders’ grant review committee