Share practical learning
Compare methods, accessible materials and ways of creating meaningful opportunities for public contribution.
Home Current work International working
Current work
International working
Public involvement in health and care research is growing across many countries. Shared learning can help research become more relevant to the people and communities it aims to serve.
A shared direction
Connecting experience across borders
International collaboration creates space to compare approaches, share practical learning and strengthen public involvement in different health and care research settings.
Some countries have long-established ways for members of the public to help shape research. In others, this work is newer and still developing. In each setting, involvement needs to respond to local communities, research systems and priorities.
Involvestory presents the core ideas behind this work in accessible language. It supports open exchange between people and organisations who are interested in making public contribution visible, meaningful and useful.
What collaboration can support
Practical reasons to work together
International exchange is strongest when it is clear about purpose, inclusive in practice and open about what can be adapted in different contexts.
Build useful evidence
Bring together experience and research evidence that can inform decisions without overlooking context.
Strengthen relationships
Create connections between public contributors, researchers and organisations with a shared interest in better research.
A thoughtful approach
Four prompts for international exchange
These prompts can help collaborators set up a conversation that is practical, respectful and clear about its purpose.
Start with context
Understand the health, research and community setting before assuming that an approach will transfer directly.
Include different voices
Make room for public contributors as well as researchers and organisations when shaping priorities and discussions.
Use clear language
Explain terms, avoid unnecessary jargon and provide information in formats people can use.
Share learning back
Record what was learned, what needs adapting and how the exchange can inform future work.
What is included
Topics to consider in a cross-country conversation
01 / Purpose
What should involvement influence?
Clarify whether the discussion concerns research priorities, study design, delivery, communication or wider systems.
02 / Access
Who can take part?
Consider language, format, timing, digital access and the support people may need to contribute.
03 / Learning
What can be shared?
Identify examples, principles and evidence that can be useful beyond one project or place.
04 / Accountability
How will influence be shown?
Make a clear record of contributions, decisions and areas where a suggestion could not be adopted.
Questions to ask
International working FAQ
Does international collaboration mean using the same approach everywhere?
No. Shared principles can be helpful, but involvement should be designed with the people, institutions and practical circumstances of each setting in mind.
Who should be included in an international discussion?
Include people with relevant lived experience alongside researchers, facilitators and organisations. Consider whose perspectives may otherwise be absent.
How can teams communicate across different languages and systems?
Use plain language, explain specialist terms and allow enough time for questions, translation and careful interpretation of shared information.
What can teams learn from one another?
Teams can exchange approaches to inclusion, planning, support, feedback and reporting. They should also be transparent about limits and local differences.
Where can I find guidance for planning involvement?
Visit the researcher briefing notes or explore how to involve people in research.
Continue the conversation
Email InvolvestoryLooking for relevant guidance?
Send a concise description of the question you are exploring and the stage your work has reached. Involvestory will help you identify relevant material on this site.