Table 2 Considerations when planning involvement for a methodology priority-setting partnership

A diverse mix of perspectives from novice to experienced in the topic area

Capacity building to include new voices, those who can think beyond their own immediate experience, and some who are experienced and can translate what researchers say

Communicating that prior experience in methodology is not a pre-requisite, and that the fresh perspective is welcomed

Explicitly acknowledging that the role of the public partner is to ask questions, challenge, see the big picture and bring pragmatic solutions

Ways to support meaningful involvement might include:

A comprehensive payment policy, including tasks individually timed and costed, and shared for feedback with public partners

Holding pre-meetings before Steering Group meetings to allow for information sharing, learning and relationship-building

Pairing a methodologist with a public partner to review data (and providing guidance around this)

Peer support, to include a diverse mix of experience in public involvement

Researchers should:

Be open and willing to step outside their own comfort zones

Plan early, ensure adequate time and resources, and be flexible

Communicate with public partners clearly, honestly, and frequently

Create space to allow for two-way exchange and ongoing dialogue

Invest in relationship building

Public partners should:

Recognise that their novice status is a distinct benefit to the project

Be prepared to ask clarifying questions and challenge researchers

Seek accessibility in relation to language and communication

Suggest pragmatic solutions to support inclusivity and forward action

Recognise the importance of peer support for mutual learning within public partners