Creating a collaborative and impactful research environment: community partner reflections on the DeStress-II study.

BACKGROUND: Patient and public involvement and engagement can improve the relevance and impact of research yet 'impact' is often framed narrowly around study findings rather than the experiences of those involved. Understanding how involvement affects individuals is important, particularly in areas such as mental health where there is significant potential for power differentials within the research process. The DeStress-II project co-developed a training resource to help primary care practitioners support people experiencing poverty-related mental distress. Community Partners with lived experience were integral to the project, contributing to training delivery, online resource co-production, and implementation analysis. This paper explores what supported their sustained engagement and the personal and collective impacts of involvement. METHODS: A reflective evaluation drawing on two focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews with ten Community Partners from three UK regions. RESULTS: Findings highlight the importance of extending the notion of impact beyond traditional boundaries of academic research to also consider individual and collective patient and public benefits of involvement. Meaningful involvement extends research impact beyond outputs to encompass personal growth, confidence, and a lasting sense of community. Key enablers included: (i) a dedicated Community Connector role; (ii) feeling part of and valued within the research team; and (iii) the development and quality of relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding how patient and public involvement in research is experienced broadens how impact is conceptualised. Dedicated facilitation, time, and resources are essential to create inclusive environments that support mutual learning and positive personal outcomes for people with lived experience.