Involving young people in sexual health research and service improvement: conceptual analysis of patient and public involvement (PPI) in three projects

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough increasingly recognised as valuable within sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research and service improvement, examples of patient and public involvement (PPI) are underdocumented, including specific issues relating to young people’s involvement. This article aims to contribute to greater transparency about the practical, methodological and ethical considerations of SRH-related PPI with young people, and to offer recommendations for their meaningful involvement.MethodsGuided by a conceptual tool for evaluating youth participation (the ‘7P’ framework), we analysed learning from PPI within three projects (two academic studies and one service improvement project) that workedwithyoung people to shape sexual health research and practice in Scotland.AnalysisCross-project analysis of seven interconnected domains (purpose, positioning, perspectives, power relations, protection, place and process) generated productive dialogue about the nuances of meaningfully involving young people in shaping SRH research and services. Key learning includes the importance of: young people’s early involvement in agenda-setting for SRH improvement; developing trusting partnerships that can support involvement of diverse groups of young people; creating multiple ways for young people to contribute, including those that do not rely on direct conversation; and formative evaluation of young people’s experiences of involvement.ConclusionsMainstreaming young people’s meaningful involvement in shaping SRH research and services requires systems-level change. Resources are required to support SRH researchers and practitioners to share learning and build sustainable multi-sector partnerships, which in turn can increase opportunities for young people from diverse groups to engage with SRH-related PPI activities.

Sexual well-being among young people in remote rural island communities in Scotland: a mixed methods study

“…This study has identified a requirement for more RSHP education and confidential, accessible safe spaces for remote rural young people. Placed-based approaches have been successful in improving social environments to support positive health and health behaviours,26 as has the importance of including young people in research and design of local sexual health services 27. The findings identify the need for an intersectional approach to the creation of place-based sexual well-being support for young islanders.…”

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