Table 1 Standards for effective PPI in research

(a) Inclusive opportunities. The Wales Cancer Research Centre has a network of Research Partners (RP) Patients and members of the public who are actively involved in planning and management of research. They offer practical PPI support and advice to researchers. The study involved members of the public for whom the research may prove beneficial

(b) Working together. PPI input was vital from the very beginning of this research and public-facing materials were developed in collaboration with our PPI partner and co-author (KS) in project management meetings

(c) Support and learning. PPI contributions were fully recorded and evidenced support and learning in this research, by the RP and by researchers

(d) Communications. Developing effective methods of communicating and presenting the risks and benefits of taking aspirin to reduce risk of colorectal cancer, in plain language available in formats to suit individual needs was made possible because of the PPI feedback

(e) Impact. A study summary was made available to participants, the funder (Tenovus Cancer Care) and Bowel Screening Wales. This acknowledged the impact of PPI contributions

(f) Governance. PPI RP input was integral to this research We also sought public views through discussions with a Citizens’ Jury [18] who helped explore attitudes towards the role of medicines in maintaining health, using low dose aspirin as a case study, highlighting the importance of providing information to inform decision-making