Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTC) prevention research dissemination: Exploration of how the public receive, understand and engage with MLTC prevention research (MPRD) - A scoping review protocol

Short title/Acronym: MLTC Prevention Research Dissemination (MPRD)

Study background: Multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) is defined as the presence of two or more chronic/long-term conditions. In the UK, a recent study found that 14.8% of over 60 million people had MLTC. Therefore, prevention of such conditions is necessary in order to minimise poor health related burden. Additionally, there is a need for understanding how the public and patients are involved in research dissemination, particularly with regards to MLTC prevention. Within research generally, members of the public may be involved in the research design and implementation, but are often either not involved or unable to join dissemination efforts. Therefore, dissemination activities may be largely of an academic nature, or these dissemination methods may not be suitable for the target groups e.g. may not be accessible or interpretable. Therefore, this research will look at synthesising evidence through a scoping review to understand how patients and public are involved in MLTC prevention research. We will use this evidence to co-produce a dissemination framework with our PPIE group that would inform how patients, and the public should be engaged regarding the findings and outcomes of MLTC prevention research.

Research design: This proposal is focused on conducting a scoping review with public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) throughout the process, this includes input on the search strategy and review protocol followed by co-production of a framework for MLTC prevention research dissemination. We will establish a PPIE group with up to 8 members representing different backgrounds, who have MLTC. The scoping review will follow the PRISMA-SCR, this will include PPIE input on the search strategy and interpretation of findings, which will shape the research output(s). We have a public contributor as part of the review team, and they will support with the initial development of the scoping review protocol and will join the researchers in reviewing articles. This will be further refined following external PPIE feedback.