ReIMAGINE: A prostate cancer research consortium with impact due to its patient and public involvement and engagement

ABSTRACT

Introduction: ReIMAGINE aims to improve current PSA/biopsy risk stratification for prostate cancer (PCa) and develop a new image-based method for diagnosing high/low risk PCa. Here, we describe how active involvement/ engagement with patients and the general public from study inception led to impactful evidence-based clinical research outputs for ReIMAGINE. Patients & Methods: We began with a series of discussion groups, whereby patients and their family members, as well as men without PCa (i.e. the general public) provided insight into participant preferences with respect to study design and management, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings. Results: Our consultation phase confirmed research need for less invasive PCa diagnostic strategies and generated study design recommendations. In addition to various outreach activities, our Twitter account (@reimagine-pca) is at the heart of our engagement strategy as it allows us to participate in many other relevant PPI activities. Most recently, our PPI-Subcommittee has worked collaboratively with our Trials team to reopen consortium studies following a pause in recruitment because of COVID-19. They developed information videos in which members played the parts of patients providing a "walk-through" of COVIDsecure clinical pathways encountered by study participants. Conclusion: ReIMAGINE has incorporated structures and funding for inclusion and engagement of the patient and public voice in the study design, monitoring and ongoing processes. The appointment of a funded PPI co-ordinator and a patient chair of the PPI sub-committee has led to further work outside the study remit, particularly in the establishment of a BAME PPI committee for prostate cancer.