A new approach has been created utilising AI-simulated and demographically representative patient and public involvement and engagement panels, designed to enhance public voices and overcome challenges around recruitment, geography, and inclusiveness.
Developed by an NHS Golden Jubilee volunteer, Andrew Steele, the approach incorporates AI large language models and UK Census data to generate what Steele refers to as “demographically representative virtual panels, enriched with specific lived experiences and health conditions”. The approach aims to support public involvement, and offers “structured feedback” on research proposals, along with patient-facing materials including infographics and quizzes.
The project is being developed in collaboration with research teams at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh, where teams are reportedly working to address potential biases. As well as improving diversity in representation, other potential benefits of the approach include in speed and efficiency, with feedback which typically takes weeks to develop being generated “in minutes” in a less resource intensive way.
The system is currently being tested using anonymised cardiology research proposals. Colin Berry, director of research at NHS Golden Jubilee and professor of cardiology and imaging at the University of Glasgow, emphasised how the approach is not about replacing human input, but expanding access to it. “By potentially offering a hybrid model, we can support faster, more inclusive research processes while still valuing the essential role of lived human experience,” he added.
NHS Golden Jubilee reports that patient-facing outputs have “scored highly” in readability and comprehension, noting: “Professional PPIE coordinators rated AI-generated feedback as comparable to that of human panels in terms of relevance and value.”
Tech in enhancing patient involvement
For HTN Now a panel discussion on advancing patient engagement with communication tech and patient portals, discussed adoption, engagement, the use of AI and automation technologies, functionality and the future role of patient portals and communication tech in tackling NHS challenges. We were joined by experts including Jothi Vasan-O’Leary, medical information officer and outpatient clinical lead at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton; Daniel Parkinson, digital IT project manager at Leeds Teaching Hospitals; Sally Mole, senior digital programme manager – digital portfolio delivery team at The Dudley Group; and Emma Stratful, chief operating officer at OX.DH.
Patients Know Best, the personal health record platform, has announced the launch of its population health management engine. Designed to support NHS organisations and clinical research organisations in accelerating clinical trial recruitment, the new capability aims to assist in meeting new government targets set for March 2026.
The NHS DigiTrials initiative last year looked to recruit 150,000 volunteers for four research projects around cancer diagnosis and treatment, and children’s surgery. 120,000 of those volunteers were being recruited for the BEST4 Heartburn Health trial, and two more cancer research projects – MyMelanoma and PROTECT-C – were aiming to recruit 20,000 and 5,000 volunteers respectively, to improve understanding of melanoma and its treatment, and to check genetic risk for ovarian, breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancer.
