Knowledge of public patient involvement among health economists in Ireland: a baseline audit

Background: While there is growing public and patient involvement (PPI) in health research in Ireland, there is little information on the extent to which PPI has permeated the field of health economics research. The aim of this scoping study is to explore the knowledge and use of PPI among health economists in Ireland. Methods: This paper is based on a survey questionnaire administered electronically to all members of Health Economics Association of Ireland (HEAI). The study provides a baseline audit on the knowledge and use of PPI in health economics research.  A review of the international literature on the interface between PPI and health economics informed the design of the questions used in the survey. Results: Half of respondents incorporate PPI in their health economics research.  Two thirds report their knowledge of PPI as weak or fair; only 8% say it is excellent. PPI, when it occurs, is largely focused on the identification of research priorities and appropriate outcomes. Just over one third of respondents currently evaluate their PPI activities in health economic research; there is almost no focus on impact as part of the evaluation process. Conclusion: Health economists in Ireland do not have a strong knowledge of PPI, either in practice or in theory. They find PPI challenging due to limited time, resources, information and the absence of appropriate skills to engage patients and the public in their work. Education and training are needed to support greater use of PPI in health economics research.