Box 1 Definitions of public engagement and patient involvement in the UK

The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) [2] definition:

Public engagement describes the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.

INVOLVE, the NIHR National Advisory Group on public involvement in NHS, health and social care research definitions:

Public involvement is research being carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them. Members of the public are actively involved in research projects and in research organisations.

Engagement is where information and knowledge about research is provided and disseminated.