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REDUCE

Patient engagement

At REDUCE, research is shaped in partnership with people who have lived experience of diabetic foot ulcers. 

People with lived experience of diabetic foot ulcers are at the heart of REDUCE. Our patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group helps shape every stage of the research, from designing the intervention to interpreting results.

We believe research is stronger when it's done with people, not on them.

What is patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE)?

Involvement

Patients, carers, and members of the public help shape research by sharing their experiences and opinions. This might include helping to decide what questions should be researched, how studies are designed, or how results are shared.

Engagement

Researchers share information about their work with the public – through events, talks, social media, or community activities – to raise awareness and invite feedback.

Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in REDUCE

We have applied PPIE in all stages of our research, including the preparation, during the project, and the project's next steps.

Preparing for REDUCE
  • reviewing lay summaries and the grant application prior to receiving funding
  • advising on the primary outcome (what we will compare to see if there is a difference between those receiving REDUCE and those who did not receive REDUCE (ulcer-free days)
  • developing the one-to-one intervention
During the REDUCE programme
  • reviewing patient-facing documentation including information about the research for potential participants for the pilot and main trial and REDUCE intervention materials
  • advising as to the content and testing the digital maintenance intervention (website)
  • reviewing the items to include a diabetic foot ulcer resource use measure to look at costs of diabetic foot ulcers for patients and the NHS
  • advising and testing the questionnaires patients complete as part of REDUCE
  • meeting three times a year to discuss the progress of REDUCE and advise on any issues or potential changes and their impact from a service user perspective
Future involvement in REDUCE
  • advising on the best approaches, methods and target audiences to share REDUCE results in 2026
  • helping to develop materials to disseminate the results of REDUCE, particularly to patients, carers and diabetic communities

Hear from one of our PPIE members

Read what our PPIE member had to say about their experience of taking part in REDUCE:

“I'd had about five or six foot ulcers over the same number of years, and when the last one healed, I was asked to take part in the REDUCE pilot trial. I'm so glad I did as it was only through this that I really understood how serious the complications can be and how to minimise the risk of a recurrence.”

Get involved

Our work doesn’t end with REDUCE. We also work with other researchers in the area of diabetes and the diabetic foot, and share our PPIE opportunities where available.

Not only do our PPIE group support REDUCE, but we also regularly welcome guest speakers at our meetings and collaborate with other researchers in this research area.

Join our group, be part of our mailing list and find out more by contacting us.

Contact us via email