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We’ve recently seen the publication of the Health Innovation Network’s first Patient Involvement Impact Report, a collection of case studies from across England’s 15 health innovation networks demonstrating how patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) is helping shape, improve and accelerate health innovation.

A clear message from across the country

Having had the privilege of facilitating the development of this report, I have been struck not only by the breadth of activity taking place, but by the consistency of one message: innovation is more effective when it is developed with people, not simply for them.

The report showcases examples from across the country where lived experience has influenced the design, delivery and implementation of innovations. From research and development through to large-scale adoption, people, patients, carers and communities are helping ensure that new approaches are relevant, accessible and responsive to real-world needs.

For those of us working in health innovation, this should not come as a surprise. We know that the most successful innovations are those that solve problems that matter to people. Yet meaningful involvement is still sometimes viewed as an additional step rather than a fundamental part of the innovation process.

This report challenges that perception.

Why patient involvement matters

Across the Health Innovation Network, patient involvement is helping to strengthen new pathways, improve adoption, reduce inequalities and build stronger relationships between healthcare organisations and the communities they serve. Importantly, it is also helping innovators and healthcare leaders understand issues that may otherwise go unseen.

The report arrives at an important moment for the NHS. As the health and care system continues to face significant pressures, there is increasing emphasis on innovation as a driver of better outcomes, improved productivity and reduced inequalities. However, innovation can only achieve its full potential when it reflects the diverse needs of the populations it seeks to serve.

Patient involvement is not simply a mechanism for consultation; it is a route to better design, stronger implementation and more sustainable change.

The power of collective impact

What I found particularly powerful while bringing this publication together was the opportunity to see the collective impact of our Network. Each health innovation network operates within its own local context, but together we are building a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the value of meaningful involvement.

The examples included in the report show that when patients, carers and communities are empowered to contribute, innovation becomes more relevant, more equitable and ultimately more likely to succeed.

As we look ahead, the challenge is not whether we should involve patients and the public in innovation – it is how we continue to do so more effectively, more consistently and more inclusively.

Beyond good practice

The publication is more than a celebration of good practice. It is a reminder that the future of health innovation depends on partnership. By embedding lived experience throughout the innovation journey, we can create solutions that are not only clinically effective but genuinely meaningful to the people whose lives they are designed to improve.

I encourage colleagues across health and care, research, industry and the voluntary sector to reflect on what these examples tell us. The message is clear: when patient voices are heard, innovation works better.

I would also like to highlight the commitment of my peers and PPIE teams across all 15 health innovation networks, and to the patients, carers and community members whose insights continue to shape a more responsive and equitable health and care system.

If you would like to talk to us about patient involvement or require any support with your activity, please reach out to your local health innovation network PPIE lead.

Adele Bunch is Head of Portfolio, Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Health Innovation Network Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead