Sharing space at the research table: exploring public and patient involvement in a methodology priority setting partnership

BACKGROUND: Public and patient involvement aims to improve research quality, relevance, and appropriateness. Despite an increasing evidence base on the influence of public involvement in health research, the role of involvement in methodology research (i.e. research that aims to enhance the quality and rigour of research) is less clear. Using a qualitative case study, we explored public involvement in a research priority-setting partnership in rapid review methodology (Priority III) to give practical insights to inform public involvement in priority-setting for future methodological research. METHODS: Participant observation, documentary analysis, interviews and focus groups were used to explore the processes of Priority III and identify the views and experiences of the participants of a steering group (n = 26) regarding public involvement in Priority III. We used a case study research design and conducted two focus groups with five public partners; one focus group with four researchers; and seven one-to-one interviews with researchers and public partners. Nine episodes of participant observation of meetings were conducted. All data were analysed using template analysis. RESULTS: The findings of this case study present three themes and six subthemes: Theme 1: We all bring unique qualities to the table. Subtheme 1.1—Coming from different perspectives towards shared-decision making; Subtheme 1.2—Public partners bring pragmatism and grounding in reality; Theme 2: We need support and space at the table. Subtheme 2.1—Define and develop support needed for meaningful involvement; Subtheme 2.2—Creating safe space to listen, challenge and learn; Theme 3: We all benefit from working together. Subtheme 3.1—Reciprocity in mutual learning and capacity building; Subtheme 3.2—Relationships as partners in research, with a feeling of togetherness. Communication and trust, as inclusive ways of working, underpinned the partnership approach to involvement. CONCLUSIONS: This case study contributes to knowledge on public involvement in research by explaining the supportive strategies, spaces, attitudes and behaviours that enabled a productive working partnership to develop between a team of researchers and public partners in this research context. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40900-023-00438-1.