The Research User Group ( RUG )
The Research User Group , affectionately known as the RUG group , are members of the public who have an interest in health care research . The group are involved with Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement ( PPIE ) in research .
The group consists of patients , families and carers , members of the public and patient / public representatives from charities and community groups . The RUG members bring their expertise from living with , or caring for someone with a health condition . This is their expertise by experience and is so valuable for researchers throughout the research project .
This is an active and mutually beneficial partnership with researchers . The members are involved in many ways from thinking about the research question , working with researchers when designing the research through to the dissemination of the research .