Work

Involvement of underserved 18–40 year olds living with early-onset type 2 diabetes in the M3 NIHR programme grant

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The M3 Research Programme is funded by an NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research (NIHR201165), and aims to develop and test the effectiveness of an innovative multifactorial management intervention to address multimorbidity in young adults (aged 18–40 years) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (‘early-onset type 2 diabetes’). We reflected on the involvement of young adults, who in some cases additionally experienced intersectional exclusion. Reflective discussion groups were conducted with research personnel and public contributors, and a collaborative online forum was used to further provide opportunity for public contributors to share their thoughts. Themes drawn from the reflections and online forum aligned well with the NIHR UK Standards for Public Involvement. Tips for good practice in public involvement of young adults were derived. (1) Build collaborative team culture. (2) Open and honest reflective communication. (3) Communicate team responsibilities clearly. (4) Plan involvement with public contributors. (5) Embed public involvement early in the project. (6) Assess resource requirements realistically. (7) Gain support and engagement from clinical teams. (8) Be flexible, offering a range of ways to get involved. (9) Include contingency and risk planning as part of public involvement planning. (10) Provide training in public involvement, cultural competence, and contingency and risk planning. (11) Develop policies and procedures that support public involvement. The reflection also afforded some insight into facilitators of academic engagement in delivery of public involvement activities. The M3 research programme team worked with people who developed type 2 diabetes earlier on in their life to create a package of care to meet their needs. Care for type 2 diabetes has typically been developed around the needs of older people, because they are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The research team and the people who worked with us (public contributors) reflected on what had helped and hindered their ability to work together. This was done in reflective discussion groups and on a collaborative online forum where people could give their feedback. It was important to get feedback because people of working age are less likely to do public involvement. These insights will help other researchers and people with early onset type 2 diabetes, and possibly similar groups of people, work well together. We came up with some tips to help future researchers: (1) Build teams that collaborate. (2) Communicate openly and honestly in teams. (3) Communicate team responsibilities clearly. (4) Plan involvement with public contributors. (5) Start public involvement early in the project. (6) Assess resource requirements realistically. (7) Gain support and engagement from clinical teams. (8) Be flexible, offering a range of ways to get involved. (9) Include contingency and risk planning as part of public involvement planning. (10) Provide training in public involvement, cultural competence, and contingency and risk planning. (11) Develop policies and procedures that support public involvement

Source: Research Involvement and Engagement

DOI: 10.1186/s40900-025-00799-9