ABSTRACT
Aims: To bridge the gap between evidence synthesis research into the impact of the pandemic on people with diabetes (PWD) and the reality of lived experience, and give PWD space to share and reflect on their experiences. Method(s): Through a socially-distanced public engagement project, working with artists, clinicians, researchers, and PWD, we created a physical art installation and digital interactive exhibition to capture individual experiences of living through the pandemic with diabetes. PWD could submit art or written work in any form for inclusion. We evaluated public engagement by participant numbers and demographics, visitors to the digital exhibition, and written feedback. Viewers could complete an optional survey sharing thoughts about the project. Result(s): 26 people aged 16-74 years submitted to the project;58% had had type 1 diabetes, 27% had type 2 diabetes. 708 people viewed the digital exhibition (diabetescovid. art) in the first 2 months. Their responses to the exhibition included: brave, overwhelming, scary, resonating with personal experience, community giving voice, thought provoking, moving, emotional, motivating, insightful, interesting, fascinating;all respondents said they had learned from the exhibition. Summary: Our PPI representative summarised her experience of the project: "Health research is not just about the clinical, it is also about recognising, empathising with and learning from the experiences of people as demonstrated in this project. Patient involvement in research is about helping to bring about progress. It is about learning more about one's own health and well-being and also about giving something back. Above all, it is about hope.".