Introducing patient and public involvement practices to healthcare research in Austria: strategies to promote change at multiple levels

Background Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research is well-established the UK. However, it can be challenging to introduce PPI communities where there limited prior knowledge, experience or appreciation of PPI. We aimed explore current practices, experiences ethical operational challenges with within our own community Austria, inform strategies for supporting Austria going forward. Methods surveyed scientists at 21 institutes Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft (LBG) representatives 32 medical university ethics committees using online questionnaires. analysed quantitative data descriptive statistics, we collated textual responses open questions. combined survey anecdotal evidence from personal summarise around implementing Austria. Results Nineteen nine indicated generally positive attitudes towards majority reported they rarely never involved patients members roles consultation, collaboration control research. Six eight were unfamiliar discern five Austria: lack knowledge skills among scientists, scepticism about usefulness PPI, conflation qualitative research, uncertainty requirements publishing activities. Discussion suggest that provision guidance a strategic priority. To address this, following on recently introduced training grant scheme by LBG, surveys have initiated dialogue informed development checklist aspects Conclusion Our may provide useful examples others who seek strengthen practices their communities.