Public Advisory Panel on Medicines and Prescribing Data in General Practice

This research looks at how data already collected in general practice can help us understand and improve how medicines are prescribed. By analysing routine data, we can see patterns in how medicines are used, highlight where care is working well, and spot areas that could be improved. The goal is to help ensure patients get the medicines they need, by identifying patterns of possible undertreatment or overtreatment. We also aim to design practical “audit and feedback” tools that give GPs clear, confidential summaries of their prescribing compared with similar practices, helping learning and improvement across the health system.

Who is the opportunity for?

This opportunity is open to members of the public who have an interest in how medicines are prescribed and how health data can be used for the public good. We especially welcome people who:

• take one or more long-term medicines or have experience of medication-related harm;
• are carers or support someone who takes regular medication;
• have an interest or lived experience related to health data use or data protection;
• or come from groups whose voices are often under-represented in research, such as people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, migrant communities, or those who have experienced homelessness or barriers to accessing care.

Contributors need to be comfortable speaking and reading English, as meetings and materials will be provided in English. No previous research experience is needed — curiosity and willingness to share your views are what matter most.

What will PPI contributors do?

Panel members will meet three times per year (online) to share their perspectives and ideas on how research about medicines and prescribing should be shaped, interpreted, and shared. Meetings will last around an hour and use plain-language summaries and short discussion prompts.

Contributors will help the research team to:

• ensure that the research questions and grant applications reflect issues that matter to the public;
• review and comment on draft materials, such as summaries or early findings; and
• guide how results are communicated in accessible and useful ways.

Your lived experience and ideas will be the most important contribution — not technical expertise. All members will be reimbursed for their time (€50 voucher per meeting).

If you’re interested, please send a short note (3–4 sentences) telling us a little about yourself and what interests you about this opportunity. This helps us ensure a good mix of experiences and perspectives.