Stakeholders’ perspectives and experiences of patient and public involvement (PPI) in clinical trials in maternal and neonatal healthcare: protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: Patient and public involvement (PPI) has the potential to improve the relevance of trial outcomes and improve participant recruitment within clinical trials. However, the literature on PPI approaches, outcomes, and attitudes towards PPI in specific clinical research areas is limited. We are interested to know the current approaches to and views of PPI within maternal and neonatal clinical trials, from the perspective and experience of involved stakeholders. Methods: A qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) of stakeholders’ perspectives and experiences of PPI will be conducted. Stakeholders will include any individual involved in maternal or neonatal clinical trials with experience of PPI in the area or who expresses their views on PPI. The electronic bibliographic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Maternity and Infant Care (OVID) will be searched from inception. Qualitative studies, mixed-methods studies where the qualitative data can be extracted independently, and surveys with open-ended qualitative questions, will be included. Aims: The QES seeks to explore stakeholders’, including PPI contributors, trial participants and guardians, and trial researchers, perspectives and experiences of PPI in maternal and neonatal clinical trials. Discussion: THE QES will provide an understanding of how PPI is understood, operationalised and experienced by stakeholders in maternal and neonatal clinical trials, with the aim of identifying good practice and areas for improvement. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023383878 (2nd March 2023)