top of page
Search

Where are We with Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Research in Asia?

  • 38 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

By Ai Ling Sim-Devadas, Office of Patient Engagement (OPEN), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore


I still remember sitting in a hospital bed recovering from a chemotherapy-related complication when a friend asked if I would consider joining a Patient and Family Advisory Council in Singapore. At that time, this was one of the first platforms of its kind locally.  Intrigued, I said yes.


Eight years on, that moment has shaped my journey. Today, I work alongside patient advocates, clinicians, and researchers to bring patient and caregiver voices into healthcare and research in Singapore—and increasingly, across Asia.


A Growing Conversation Across Asia


In recent months, I have had the opportunity to attend several regional and global conferences. One thing has become clear: conversations about Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Asia are rapidly gaining momentum.


This growing interest is not surprising. PPI helps ensure that research is relevant to the people it is intended to serve. It bridges the gap between scientific discovery and patient-centred care. At its core, it recognises something fundamental—that patients and caregivers should have a role in shaping research that ultimately affects their lives.


Emerging Efforts Across the Region


Across Asia, we are seeing encouraging early developments.


  • In countries where PPI is still relatively new, there is increasing curiosity among researchers and clinicians, alongside a strong call from patient advocates for greater involvement.

  • In countries where PPI is beginning to take root, we are starting to see early infrastructure and resources being developed.


Spotlighting regional progress:


Concurrently, momentum is growing, with standalone research projects increasingly embedding PPI principles in countries like India and the Philippines.


Navigating Contextual Realities


While these developments are promising, it is still early days for PPI in Asia.  And we cannot simply copy-paste existing models.. Asia’s complexity brings both opportunities and challenges.


  • Cultural norms, including more traditional and hierarchical relationships between patients and healthcare professionals, can sometimes limit open dialogue.

  • Differences in economic development, research infrastructure, and resources mean that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to PPI across countries.


To succeed, our strategies must be locally relevant, culturally sensitive, and sustainably built.


.A Timely Opportunity for Collaboration


This is precisely why now is the right time to bring together those committed to advancing PPI in Asia—to understand where we are, share experiences, and co-create a sustainable road map  for the future.


My team at the Office of Patient Engagement (OPEN) is therefore excited to partner with the International PPI Network to co-organise a regional roundtable:


“Advancing Patient and Public Involvement in Asia: Research with the People, for the People” on 5th August 2026


This roundtable will bring together stakeholders from across the region to take stock of current efforts and address the critical question: Where are we now, and where do we want to go?.


While PPI in Asia is still evolving, the growing interest, early initiatives, and shared commitment across countries point to a bright future. With continued collaboration, we have an opportunity to shape a future where health research is not only scientifically robust, but also deeply grounded in the lived experiences of the people it seeks to serve.


If this speaks to you, see you at the Roundtable on the 5th August! You can register to attend here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vk2d_lK2RFucDVWrjaHjAA


 
 
 

Comments

INTERNATIONAL PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT NETWORK

bottom of page