Making a difference

James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnerships (PSPs) have the potential to impact on the people who participate in them, the organisations that coordinate them, on the public profile of the conditions they are focused on and, of course, on the research that gets done.

Measuring impact however is a challenge and the influence of PSPs can take time to emerge.

What is the impact of PSPs?

In this section, we aim to bring together the available information on the difference PSPs have made. However, we’re aware that we won’t know about all of the work that is happening and all of the achievements that PSPs have made. Do get in touch if you know of something we should mention. 

Funders and researchers need time to respond to a PSP's priorities, and work out exactly what research needs to be carried out to address them. This is an essential step in ensuring that funds and resources are genuinely focused on the issues that will benefit patients and clinicians.

Funded Research

These are examples of research that we know has come about as a direct result of a PSP.

Reporting on progress after PSPs

Some PSPs and groups publish reviews of what has been changing after a PSP is complete

Working with priorities

James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnerships (JLA PSPs) and other groups often do further work with the identified research priorities, developing them with different people or encouraging researchers to set up investigations in those areas.

More than a Top 10

A report called More than a Top 10 report discusses the types of impact that JLA PSPs have and some lessons learnt around how to maximise the value of the agreed priorities.

Themes across PSP priorities

Research was conducted to identify overarching topics or themes common to the Top 10 research priorities from UK-based James Lind Alliance (JLA) PSPs in different areas of health and care. Visit the research project page to explore the themes via an interactive PDF tool.

Making the most of PSP priorities in research applications

In September 2019 Professor Hywel Williams, then Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Technology Assessment Programme, issued a video message about how researchers can make the most of PSP priorities when applying for funding to research them.

What researchers say about the JLA

“Without this coming together of patients with the research community, catalysed by the JLA, the subject of breathing exercises would never have been identified as one that received so much enthusiastic support.”
Professor Sir Stephen Holgate, past Chair of the UK Respiratory Research Collaborative and Steering Group member of the Asthma PSP

What charities say about the JLA

“So often, priorities for research are decided by one group of stakeholders. The Alzheimer’s Society supported a James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership to challenge this; so that the views of clinicians, practitioners and patients were considered equally. We are delighted with the result. Taking the Top 10 priorities forward will help to address most urgently the needs of those affected by dementia and those that support and care for them.”
Dr James Pickett, former Head of Research, Alzheimer’s Society